Integrated Pneumatic Therapy System for Bed Safety

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Solution Overview

Problem

Patient support apparatuses with integrated limb compression devices face issues such as the control box for pneumatic compression sleeves slipping off footboards, long power cords posing tripping hazards, and increased labor and costs for caregivers, while also affecting patient comfort and recovery.

Innovation Solution

A therapy system comprising a pneumatic therapy device with a compression sleeve, a conduit, and a controller that includes a processor and memory device to manage pressurized air distribution, user interface, and sensors to monitor pressure and connectivity, integrated into the patient support apparatus, allowing for controlled operation and alerting caregivers to potential issues.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the control box is hung on the footboard of the patient bed, then the compression sleeve can be operated, but the control box can slip off the footboard and pose tripping hazards

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperation of compression sleeveVSAvoidstability of control box position

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The control box is integrated into the patient support apparatus frame, merging the control function with the support structure. This eliminates the separate control box that could slip off the footboard, while maintaining operational access to the compression sleeve through the integrated control interface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a separate control box is used for the compression sleeve, then the therapy can be provided, but long power cords are required which pose tripping hazards and block movement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetherapy provision capabilityVSAvoidtripping hazard from power cord

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The power supply and control electronics are merged into the patient support apparatus frame, eliminating the need for long external power cords. The compression sleeve receives power and control signals through the integrated system, removing the tripping hazard while maintaining therapy functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated control system acts as an intermediary between the power source and the compression sleeve, routing power and control signals through the patient support apparatus infrastructure rather than requiring external power cords to reach the foot end of the bed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If the control box is stored separately within a healthcare facility, then tripping hazards are reduced, but labor and time are required to retrieve and return the control box

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetripping hazard reductionVSAvoidtime to retrieve and return control box

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The control box is permanently merged with the patient support apparatus frame, eliminating the need to retrieve or return a separate control box. The integrated control interface remains accessible throughout the bed's movement range, removing time losses while maintaining safety.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Ease of operation

If the foot end of the patient bed is oriented toward the center of the room, then accessibility is improved, but the power cord routes away from walls creating tripping hazards

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccessibility to bedVSAvoidtripping hazard from power cord routing

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The power supply system is merged into the patient support apparatus frame, allowing power and control signals to be transmitted through the bed structure itself rather than requiring external power cords to route along walls. This maintains accessibility at the foot end while eliminating tripping hazards from exposed power cords.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

The system reduces labor and costs, enhances caregiver efficiency, improves patient comfort, and minimizes tripping hazards by integrating the pneumatic therapy device into the patient support apparatus, ensuring safe and effective operation of limb compression therapy.

Implementation Method 1

a source of pressurized air supported by the frame, a distribution assembly including a conduit for directing a flow of pressurized air

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressurized air flow: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 2

a sensor for detecting a pressure

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure detection: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentUS11974964B2Patient support apparatus with integrated patient therapy device

Publication Date: 2024.05.07 HILL ROM SERVICES INC

AI summary

A therapy system that 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.