Expandable patient support apparatus and method
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing patient support surfaces require manual and cumbersome adjustments of inflatable portions using mechanical valves, which is time-consuming for caregivers, especially when accommodating different patient sizes and moving patients within facilities.
Innovation Solution
A controller system that allows for automatic inflation and deflation of inflatable portions from a single location, using electronic control signals from a user interface device to adjust the width, length, and height of the patient support surface, enabling easy configuration and movement of patients.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manual mechanical valves are used to inflate and deflate different portions of the patient support, then the support surface can be adjusted for different patient sizes and positions, but the adjustment process becomes time-consuming and cumbersome for caregivers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical valves with an automated electronic control system. A controller receives electronic control signals from a user interface device and automatically activates inflatable portions through electronic valve control, eliminating the need for manual mechanical adjustment while maintaining the ability to accommodate different patient sizes and positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service operation where the patient support apparatus automatically adjusts its configuration in response to electronic control signals. The automated inflation and deflation process allows caregivers to initiate adjustments without manually manipulating multiple valves, significantly reducing the time and effort required for reconfiguration.
2Ease of operation
If multiple mechanical valves are distributed at different areas of the patient support surface, then each valve can control specific inflatable portions, but the分散ed valve locations make individual adjustment cumbersome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the control function of multiple distributed mechanical valves into a single centralized electronic control system. The controller integrates the functionality of all valves and receives commands from a single user interface device, consolidating what was previously a distributed manual control system into a unified automated system that is easier to operate.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller acts as an intermediary between the user interface device and the inflatable portions. Instead of directly manipulating multiple valves at different locations, the caregiver interacts with a single user interface, and the controller mediates by automatically activating the appropriate inflatable portions through electronic valve control.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a single patient support surface is designed to accommodate various patient sizes through adjustable inflatable portions, then inventory needs are minimized, but the manual adjustment process becomes increasingly time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical valve adjustment with automated electronic control to maintain high adaptability for various patient sizes while significantly improving caregiver productivity. The electronic control system quickly reconfigures the support surface in response to commands from the user interface device, eliminating the time-consuming manual adjustment process.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows for preliminary configuration settings where desired support configurations can be pre-programmed or quickly selected from preset options. When a caregiver needs to adjust for a different patient size, they can select from pre-defined configurations rather than manually adjusting each valve, significantly reducing adjustment time while maintaining full adaptability.
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 simplifies the adjustment and movement of patient support surfaces, reducing caregiver workload, allowing for versatile therapy options and efficient patient transfer within facilities, while minimizing inventory needs by accommodating various patient sizes with a single support surface.
Implementation Method 1
a first valve may be used to expand a length of the patient support apparatus and a second valve may be used to expand a width of the patient support apparatus
Data Source
AI summary
A support surface includes a patient fluid support surface that includes a first set of inflatable portions having an adjustable width and a second set of inflatable portions having an adjustable length, the width and length both adjustable by changing an amount of fluid in each of the first and second inflatable portions and a controller housing that includes a user interface device and a controller operative to provide control of both inflating and deflating of the first and second set of inflatable portions in response to electronic control signals from the user interface device.