ICU Door Control System Touchless Emergency Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Intensive care unit doors face challenges such as delayed opening during emergencies, contamination spread due to shared handles, and difficulty in controlling access, which hinder efficient patient care and infection control.
Innovation Solution
An automated door control system that operates based on signals from external devices, including sensors and medical equipment, allowing touchless control and centralized management of ICU doors, enabling rapid opening during emergencies and reducing infectious disease transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a manual lever handle is used for door operation, then the door can be opened by staff members, but infectious diseases can be spread quickly from room to room due to shared handle contact
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical lever handle with an automated electronic door control system that receives signals from external devices (nurse call systems, medical equipment, sensors) to automatically open or close the door, eliminating the need for physical contact with a shared handle and thereby preventing infectious disease transmission
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary control system that acts as a mediator between staff members and the door mechanism. Instead of directly touching the handle, staff members interact with external devices (buttons, sensors, medical equipment) that send signals to the automated door control system, which then executes the door operation without direct human contact
2Reliability
If the door is kept closed and locked to control access, then unwanted visitors are prevented, but valuable life saving seconds are lost when fast opening is required during emergencies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic door control system that can adapt its behavior based on received signals. The door can maintain a locked state for normal access control but automatically transition to an unlocked and rapidly opening state when emergency signals are received from external devices, allowing the system to be both secure and responsive to emergencies
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs preliminary action by having the door control system pre-configured to respond to specific emergency signals. When signals from medical equipment, nurse call systems, or sensors indicate an emergency condition, the system is already prepared to immediately open the door without delay, having the capability ready in advance
3Reliability
If a positive latch and protruding handle are provided for secure door closure, then the door cannot open by itself, but the door operation becomes slower and more complex during emergencies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical latch and handle system with an automated electronic release mechanism. The positive latch function is maintained for security, but the release is triggered electronically by signals from external devices, allowing the door to be securely locked during normal operation yet rapidly opened during emergencies without manual manipulation of the latch or handle
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to doors for intensive care units and more particularly to an intensive care unit door control system. In particular, the invention relates to a door management system for an intensive care unit comprising at least one control unit configured to receive signals from at least one external device and to control the opening and closing of the automatic intensive care unit doors based on the received signals.