Incontinence Detection Pad With UWB Location Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current patient support apparatuses with alerting capabilities for incontinence events lack high-accuracy locating systems, which can lead to delays in caregiver response due to uncertainty about the patient's location and the presence of unnecessary alerts.
Innovation Solution
The integration of an ultra-wideband (UWB) communication system with an incontinence detection pad and a patient support apparatus, enabling the simultaneous transmission of incontinence signals and location data to notify caregivers accurately and efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If an incontinence detection system is implemented without high-accuracy locating capabilities, then the system can detect incontinence events, but the location of the patient cannot be determined immediately, leading to delayed caregiver response
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the incontinence detection function with ultra-wideband locating functionality into a single integrated system. The detection pad includes both moisture sensors and UWB tags that work together to simultaneously provide incontinence detection and precise location tracking, eliminating the need for separate systems and enabling immediate location identification when incontinence events occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection pad serves multiple functions: it detects incontinence events through moisture sensors and simultaneously tracks patient location using ultra-wideband tags. This multi-functional approach allows the single device to address both detection and localization needs, improving overall system efficiency and response capability.
2Reliability
If alerting capabilities are added to notify caregivers of incontinence events, then caregivers can be notified, but unnecessary alerts may occur when no caregivers are available, causing disturbance to other persons
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms that provide real-time information about caregiver availability and location. Before triggering an alert, the system checks whether caregivers are present and capable of responding, ensuring that alerts are only generated when appropriate. This feedback loop prevents unnecessary disturbances while maintaining reliable notification when help is needed.
3Measurement precision
If traditional locating systems are used, then the system can determine whereabouts of people and equipment, but the accuracy is insufficient for immediate location identification in incontinence events
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical or low-precision locating methods with ultra-wideband electromagnetic technology. This substitution enables high-accuracy location determination through electromagnetic signal triangulation, achieving precision sufficient for immediate patient location identification while maintaining manageable system complexity through integrated design.
Data Source
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AI summary
A patient support apparatus includes a frame and a mattress supported by the frame and arranged to support a patient thereon. A sensor is included to detect moisture on the patient and/or the patient support apparatus. The sensor produces signals indicative of the presence of moisture on the patient support apparatus. One or more alerts are output in response to the signals provided by the sensor to notify a caregiver of the presence of moisture on the patient support apparatus.