Method and apparatus for upgrading a patient support apparatus to include an integrated patient therapy device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing patient support apparatuses face issues with control boxes for limb compression sleeves slipping off footboards, creating tripping hazards and requiring long power cords, which increase labor and costs while reducing caregiver efficiency and patient comfort.
Innovation Solution
Integrating a storage pocket, drawer, or conduit system within the footboard of patient support apparatuses to house and manage pneumatic therapy devices, eliminating the need for separate control boxes and reducing clutter, and incorporating a main controller to manage pneumatic therapy operations efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a separate control box is provided for the compression sleeves, then the pneumatic components can be housed separately, but the control box may slip off the footboard and create tripping hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the control box into the footboard structure itself, merging two previously separate components (control box and footboard) into a single unified structure. This eliminates the risk of the control box slipping off while maintaining all necessary pneumatic functions for compression sleeve operation.
2Device complexity
If a separate control box is used, then pneumatic components can be housed separately, but long power cords are required creating tripping hazards
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the control box into the footboard, the patent eliminates the need for long power cords that would extend across the room to reach outlets. The power connection can be made locally at the footboard, removing the tripping hazard while maintaining separate component housing.
3Ease of operation
If the control box is hung on the footboard, then it is accessible, but it requires separate storage when not in use
Solution Approach 1:
The integration of the control box into the footboard structure means the device is permanently housed where it is needed, eliminating the requirement for separate storage solutions. The footboard itself becomes both the mounting structure and the housing, reducing overall system complexity.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If integrated storage or conduit systems are added to the footboard, then clutter is reduced and safety improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions (control box housing, power distribution, conduit routing, and storage) into the footboard structure itself. While this increases the footboard's functional complexity, it consolidates multiple separate components into one integrated unit, ultimately reducing overall system complexity and eliminating clutter.
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
Enhances patient comfort, reduces healthcare costs, and improves caregiver efficiency by minimizing labor and tripping hazards, while ensuring safe and controlled operation of limb compression devices.
Implementation Method 1
a pneumatic system 20 in communication with the main controller 18 and configured to provide a pressurized air stream to the pneumatic therapy device 14
Implementation Method 2
a source of pressurized air 58 configured to generate and communicate a pressurized air stream to the pneumatic therapy device 14
Data Source
Figure 1
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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.