Modular Patient Support Deck Segmentation for Sterilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional patient support systems in healthcare settings are bulky, expensive, and cumbersome to transport, sterilize, and store, requiring frequent transfers of patients between different apparatuses, which complicates patient care, especially for heavier or incapacitated patients.
Innovation Solution
A patient support system comprising modular patient support decks that can be docked, transported, sterilized, and stored using a centralized control system, eliminating the need for multiple apparatuses by integrating docking stations, transport devices, sterilization apparatuses, and storage facilities, with the decks lacking on-board wheels and power sources to simplify handling and maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional patient support apparatuses include on-board wheels and power sources for mobility and actuation, then they can operate independently during transport, but they become bulky and expensive to transport, sterilize, and store
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the patient support function into two independent segments: the patient support deck (minimalist design without wheels or power sources) and the transport device (provides mobility, power, and control). This segmentation allows the deck to be simple, lightweight, and easy to sterilize, while the transport device handles all complex functions during transit.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the wheels, power sources, and control systems from the patient support deck and places them on the transport device. This extraction eliminates the bulk and complexity from the deck, making it easy to handle and sterilize, while the transport device assumes responsibility for providing mobility and power during transport.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate patient support apparatuses are used for different care needs, then specific care functions can be optimized, but the number of patient transfers between apparatuses increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patient support deck is designed as a universal platform that can be used across multiple care settings and transported by various transport devices. The deck maintains its basic patient support function while being adaptable to different transport needs, eliminating the requirement for separate specialized apparatuses and reducing patient transfers.
3Reliability
If patient support decks are frequently transported and sterilized, then hygiene standards are maintained, but handling complexity and time requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the patient support deck from all ancillary components (wheels, power sources, controls) that complicate sterilization processes. The resulting minimalist deck is simple in construction with fewer parts to disassemble or protect during sterilization, thereby reducing handling time and complexity while maintaining sterilization compliance.
Data Source
AI summary
Patient support systems and methods for docking, transporting, sterilizing, and storing patient support decks. The patient support system comprises patient support decks that are configured to carry patients, such as in emergency situations or in a healthcare facility. The patient support decks are adapted to be engaged by docking stations and transport devices. Different configurations of docking stations and transport devices are contemplated. Sterilization apparatuses are provided to sterilize the patient support decks after use and storage facilities store the patient support decks for later use once they are sterilized.