Integrated Limb Compression Control to Reduce Tripping Hazards
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing patient support apparatuses with integrated limb compression devices face issues such as control boxes slipping off footboards, tripping hazards from long power cords, and inefficiencies in caregiver labor and healthcare costs, while compromising patient comfort.
Innovation Solution
A therapy system integrated with a patient support apparatus that includes a removable component with a mounting pin for electrical connection, an air system, and a user interface, which automatically controls pneumatic therapy devices, monitors pressure, and initiates therapy if caregivers fail to do so, using isolated DC power or a battery for operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a separate control box is used for the compression sleeve, then the pneumatic components can be housed separately, but the control box may slip off the footboard and requires long power cords that pose tripping hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the control box into the patient support apparatus frame, merging previously separate components (control box, frame, power system) into a unified system. This eliminates the need for separate mounting of the control box on the footboard and removes tripping hazards from long power cords, as the integrated system uses short internal connections.
2Device complexity
If a separate control box is used for the compression sleeve, then the pneumatic components can be housed separately, but long power cords are required to be routed from the control box to power outlets
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the control box into the patient support apparatus frame, merging previously separate components (control box, frame, power system) into a unified system. This eliminates the need for separate mounting of the control box on the footboard and removes tripping hazards from long power cords, as the integrated system uses short internal connections.
3Ease of operation
If the control box is hung on the footboard, then it is easily accessible, but it may slip off and requires separate storage when not in use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the control box into the patient support apparatus frame, merging previously separate components (control box, frame, power system) into a unified system. This eliminates the need for separate mounting of the control box on the footboard and removes tripping hazards from long power cords, as the integrated system uses short internal connections.
4Ease of operation
If manual monitoring and initiation of therapy is required, then caregiver control is maintained, but labor requirements and healthcare costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates automated monitoring and initiation capabilities that allow the therapy system to self-regulate based on patient needs. Sensors detect patient status and automatically initiate or adjust therapy without requiring constant caregiver intervention, thereby maintaining therapeutic control while reducing labor requirements and associated healthcare costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates automated monitoring and initiation capabilities that allow the therapy system to self-regulate based on patient needs. Sensors detect patient status and automatically initiate or adjust therapy without requiring constant caregiver intervention, thereby maintaining therapeutic control while reducing labor requirements and associated healthcare costs.
Data Source
AI summary
A therapy system includes a patient support apparatus and a pneumatic therapy device that is coupleable to the patient support apparatus. The therapy device may receive power and air flow from the patient support apparatus.