Messaging Sign Plates with Reversible Locking System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing messaging systems in healthcare settings, such as nurse messaging signs, face challenges with miscommunication and inefficiency due to reliance on removable message cards that can be misplaced or accidentally removed, and lack of a reversible locking system to secure important patient care information.
Innovation Solution
A messaging sign apparatus with a framed housing, moveable indicia plates, and a resilient locking member that securely locks the plates into a displayed position, preventing accidental removal and allowing easy one-handed operation to change displayed information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If message cards are made removable for easy updates, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to misplacement or accidental removal
Solution Approach 1:
The message system is divided into separate message cards that can be individually updated within a structured frame. Each card is a discrete unit that can be independently manipulated, allowing easy updates while maintaining system organization through the frame's guiding slots and locking mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame acts as an intermediary structure between the message cards and the display surface. It provides slots that guide card insertion/removal and locking members that secure cards in place, mediating between the need for easy updates and reliable retention by controlling the interaction between cards and display.
2Reliability
If a locking system is added to secure message cards, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking function is extracted as a separate, dedicated component (locking member) rather than being integrated into the frame structure itself. This allows the locking mechanism to be a simple, focused element that can be easily operated independently without complicating the overall frame design.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking member is designed to be self-actuating through spring biasing. When a message card is inserted into the slot, the locking member automatically engages with the card's locking surface without requiring separate manual activation, providing reliable security while maintaining simple operation.
3Loss of information
If multiple references are used to communicate patient information, then completeness of information is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to time consumption
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple message cards containing different patient information can be stacked and secured together within a single frame structure. This combines multiple information sources into one unified display location, allowing staff to access all necessary information from one place rather than searching multiple separate references.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame provides a vertical stacking dimension for multiple message cards, organizing information hierarchically. Important messages can be positioned at different heights or depths within the frame, allowing efficient scanning and access without requiring horizontal movement to multiple separate locations.
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 solution provides a secure and efficient means to communicate patient care information, minimizing miscommunication and ensuring that critical patient directives are consistently and effectively displayed, reducing the risk of accidental removal or misplacement of information.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient locking member that securely locks the plates into a displayed position
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a messaging sign apparatus with informative indicia plates that externally display information regarding patient care. The messaging sign apparatus having a framed housing, a plate, a locking member, and a covering. The framed housing includes a passageway on an inner body thereof and a slot on an outer surface leading into the passageway. The plate is positioned in the passageway and moveable through the slot to a displayed position opposite the passageway. The locking member is arranged on the framed housing and engageable with the plate to lock the plate into the displayed position. The cover is disposed over the framed housing and covering the passageway.