Head Movement Sensor for Automatic Patient Alarm Activation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Patients confined to beds or wheelchairs, unable to use traditional alarm systems due to paralysis or lack of proximity, require a system that automatically detects their need for assistance and raises an alarm.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a sensor at the patient's head region, coupled with a processor and memory, detects head movement and generates an alarm based on predefined criteria, allowing for wireless transmission to an alarm device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional alarm systems requiring manual activation are used, then patients with mobility can raise alarms, but patients with paralysis or confined movement cannot use them
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically detects patient distress through head movement sensing and triggers alarms without requiring manual activation, enabling patients with paralysis or confined movement to independently seek help
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical alarm activation with automated sensor-based detection of head movements, converting physical movement into electronic signals that trigger alarms
2Ease of operation
If safety devices requiring hand movement are provided, then patients can sound alarms, but patients with paralyzed hands or confined limbs cannot use them
Solution Approach 1:
The system autonomously monitors patient head movements and automatically activates alarms without requiring any manual intervention from the patient, making it suitable for patients with paralyzed hands or confined limbs
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes hand-based mechanical alarm activation with head movement sensing, detecting distress through automated sensing of head position changes rather than requiring manual button pressing
3Productivity
If manual alarm systems are used, then simple activation is possible, but timely detection of patient distress cannot be ensured
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors patient head movements in real-time, detecting distress signals before critical situations develop and automatically triggering alarms to ensure timely caregiver response
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides continuous feedback by monitoring head movement patterns and automatically adjusting alarm activation based on detected distress signals, creating a closed-loop monitoring 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
Enables patients to alert caregivers automatically, even when traditional alarm systems are inaccessible, ensuring timely assistance without requiring manual activation.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor configured to be positioned at a head region of the patient and configured to detect a movement of the head of the patient
Data Source
AI summary
A system (102) for assisting a patient to raise an alarm is disclosed. The system (102) may include a sensor (106) configured to be positioned at a head region of the patient and to detect movement of head of the patient. The system (102) may further include a patient assisting device (104) coupled to the sensor (106). The patient assisting device (104) may be configured to receive, from the sensor (106), a signal corresponding to the movement of the head of the patient, determine a state of alarm value from the signal, and generate an alarm based on the state of alarm value.