Dual Pneumatic Actuator for Oxygen-Rich Patient Call Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing patient call systems typically use single pneumatic actuators to trigger either a nurse station or an auxiliary device, such as a television or radio, but not both simultaneously, and lack a dual activation mechanism for efficient signal delivery in oxygen-rich environments.
Innovation Solution
A dual activated pneumatic actuator system with two air pressure domes, one for triggering an electrical signal at a nurse station and another for operating an auxiliary device, connected via a pneumatically actuated switching device and air supply system, allowing for simultaneous activation and deactivation of both types of devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single pneumatic actuator is used to trigger either a nurse station or an auxiliary device, then the system is simple and reliable, but it cannot simultaneously activate both types of devices
Solution Approach 1:
The single pneumatic actuator is segmented into two separate air pressure domes within the hand-held actuator. Each dome can be independently depressed to trigger different functions (nurse station alert or auxiliary device control), enabling simultaneous activation capability while maintaining a unified actuator structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The hand-held pneumatic actuator is designed with multi-functionality to perform both nurse call signaling and auxiliary device control through its two air pressure domes. This universal design allows one device to replace what would traditionally require separate actuators for different functions.
2Reliability
If electrical switches are used in oxygen-rich environments, then the system is simple, but combustion risk increases due to arcing
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical switching mechanism is replaced with a pneumatic switching mechanism. The hand-held actuator uses compressed air to inflate air pressure domes that mechanically trigger the switching function, eliminating electrical contacts and arcing risks in oxygen-rich hospital environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs pneumatic principles by using compressed air stored in the hand-held actuator to inflate flexible air pressure domes. This pneumatic system replaces traditional electrical switches, providing a safe alternative for oxygen-rich environments where electrical arcing could cause combustion.
3Ease of operation
If separate actuators are used for nurse station and auxiliary device, then each function is dedicated, but the device quantity and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Two separate actuators (one for nurse station, one for auxiliary device) are merged into a single hand-held pneumatic actuator with two air pressure domes. This consolidation reduces the number of components while maintaining clear functional differentiation through distinct dome activation mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The hand-held actuator serves as a universal control device for both nurse station alerts and auxiliary device operations. The two air pressure domes provide dedicated control for each function while being integrated into one portable unit, improving ease of operation without requiring multiple separate devices.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables reliable and efficient communication for patient assistance and operation of auxiliary devices in oxygen-rich environments by providing distinct signals for nurse station alerts and auxiliary device control through a dual function hand-held actuator and pneumatically actuated switching device.
Implementation Method 1
A first air conduit is in communication with a first air pressure dome for delivering pressurized air to a first compartment of the pneumatically actuated switching device
Implementation Method 2
A second air conduit is in communication with the second air pressure dome for delivering pressurized air to a second compartment of the switching device
Implementation Method 3
an air supply system connected to the dual function hand held actuator device and the pneumatically actuated switching device for delivering pressurized air to the pneumatically actuated switching device
Data Source
AI summary
A dual activated pneumatic actuator system for a patient call system includes a dual function hand held actuator for a pneumatic patient call system and having first and second air pressure domes; a pneumatically actuated switching device including two cylinders, contact pins and C-clips connected to the contact pins; and an air conduit system connecting the dual function hand held actuator to the pneumatically actuated switching device. When a first air pressure dome is depressed pressurized air forces a cylinder against its respective pin and C-clip to create a first circuit whereby an electrical signal is sent to an alarm system in the nurse station and when the second air pressure dome is depressed pressurized air forces the other cylinder against its respective pin and C-clip to create a second circuit whereby an electrical signal is sent to an electronic device, for example television or radio.