Dynamic Patient Support Interface Layouts

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional patient support apparatuses have complex and expensive user interfaces that compromise usability and functionality, particularly in varying operating conditions, necessitating an improvement in user interface design for enhanced caregiver and patient interaction.

Innovation Solution

The patient support apparatus incorporates a control system with a touchscreen user interface that adjusts visual content layouts based on the position of the patient support deck relative to the base, using sensors to detect movement and proximity, allowing for intuitive navigation and operation of the apparatus without requiring expensive hardware.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional patient support apparatuses use complex user interfaces with multiple buttons and touchscreens to provide comprehensive functionality, then the apparatus can perform more operational functions, but the user interface becomes more expensive to manufacture and harder to use

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational functionsVSAvoiduser interface complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically detects the user's role (caregiver or patient) through sensor inputs and autonomously switches between caregiver mode and patient mode without requiring manual configuration or complex menu navigation. This self-service approach eliminates the need for complex interface settings while providing comprehensive functionality appropriate to each user type.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The user interface dynamically changes its configuration based on detected user identity and context. The system transitions between different interface modes (caregiver interface with comprehensive controls vs. patient interface with simplified controls) in real-time, providing adaptability without requiring a permanently complex interface design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If the user interface includes comprehensive visual content and multiple control options, then functionality is enhanced, but usability deteriorates due to complexity

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovefunctionalityVSAvoidusability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The user interface is segmented into distinct modes: caregiver mode providing comprehensive operational functions and patient mode providing simplified controls for basic adjustments. This segmentation allows each mode to be optimized independently - the caregiver interface includes all necessary functions while the patient interface presents only essential controls, improving usability without sacrificing overall functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs an intermediary processing layer that detects user identity through sensors and automatically presents the appropriate interface configuration. This intermediary translates between the user's identity and the suitable interface mode, eliminating the need for users to navigate complex menus or understand technical configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If expensive hardware components are used to improve user interface quality, then functionality and reliability are enhanced, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser interface reliabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces complex mechanical or electronic interface hardware with a software-based solution that uses existing sensors to detect user identity and automatically configure the appropriate interface mode. This substitution eliminates the need for separate hardware sets for different user types, reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining reliability through software-controlled adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

This solution enhances usability and functionality by dynamically adjusting the user interface to improve visibility and ease of use, accommodating different positions and orientations of the patient support deck, thus optimizing the interaction between caregivers and patients while reducing manufacturing costs.

Implementation Method 1

a proximity sensor to detect movement within an envelope adjacent to a caregiver-accessible user interface

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectProximity sensing:

Data Source

PatentUS11559450B2Patient support apparatus user interfaces

Publication Date: 2023.01.24 STRYKER CORP

AI summary

A patient support apparatus comprising a patient support deck operatively attached to a base with a lift mechanism interposed between the base and the patient support deck to move the patient support deck between first and second vertical configurations relative to the base. A user interface configured to operate the patient support apparatus is provided and comprises a screen configured to display visual content in first and second content layouts. The screen is coupled to the patient support deck for concurrent movement between the vertical configurations A controller disposed in communication with the screen and the lift mechanism is configured to display the visual content in the first content layout when the patient support deck is in the first vertical configuration, and further configured to display the visual content in the second interface layout when the patient support deck is in the second vertical configuration.