Hospital Bed Wireless Data Link to Eliminate Cable Reconnection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hospital beds require separate power and data cables, necessitating frequent disconnection and reconnection when moved, which can damage data connectors and is inconvenient.
Innovation Solution
A plug and communication module that combines both wired and wireless couplers, allowing for both power and data to be transmitted through a single cable using electrical contacts and signal-processing circuitry, enabling wireless communication via protocols like IrDA, Bluetooth, and FMIR, eliminating the need for separate data cables.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate power and data cables are used, then power and data can be transmitted independently, but the complexity of connection increases and connector damage risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines separate power and data cables into a single integrated cable assembly. The power cord and data cable are merged into one physical cable with integrated connectors, eliminating the need for separate connections. This reduces connection complexity from two separate cable connections to one unified connection, while maintaining independent power and data transmission channels within the single cable.
Solution Approach 2:
The single cable assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously - it provides both power transmission and data communication through its integrated design. The cable acts as a universal connection solution that replaces both the power cord and data cable, enabling one connection to fulfill multiple operational requirements (power supply, data transfer, and communication).
2Ease of operation
If frequent cable disconnection and reconnection is required, then bed mobility is improved, but connector damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging power and data connections into a single integrated cable assembly, the patent reduces the number of disconnection and reconnection operations required when moving the bed. Instead of disconnecting and reconnecting two separate cables, the user only needs to manage one unified connection, thereby reducing mechanical stress and wear on connectors while maintaining bed mobility.
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 seamless power and data connectivity for hospital beds, reducing the need for frequent cable reconnection, minimizing connector damage, and simplifying the process of moving beds while maintaining reliable communication.
Implementation Method 1
The wireless coupler may comprise one or more of the following: a photoemitter, a photodetector, a photodiode, a radio frequency (RF) transmitter, an RF receiver, an RF transceiver, an infrared (IR) transmitter, an IR receiver, and an IR transceiver
Implementation Method 2
The wireless coupler may comprise one or more of the following: a photoemitter, a photodetector, a photodiode
Implementation Method 3
The wireless data may be communicated by frequency modulation, including frequency modulated infrared (FMIR)
Data Source
AI summary
A system is provided for use with a pre-existing hospital bed and a nurse call system. The system includes a first apparatus that is coupleable to a data port of the hospital bed and a second apparatus that is spaced from the hospital bed, that is spaced from the first apparatus, and that is coupleable to the nurse call system. A transmitter of the first apparatus is operable to transmit data received at the data port to a receiver that is operable to wirelessly receive data transmitted by the wireless transmitter of the first apparatus. The first apparatus and second apparatus are used in lieu of a cable that is otherwise usable to connect the hospital bed to the nurse call system via a hard-wired connection.