MRI Medical Bed Wireless Power Docking Without Manual Plug-In

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Solution Overview

Problem

The frequent manual plugging and unplugging of power source plugs on movable medical beds to supply power to electrical equipment is inconvenient and inefficient, especially in environments like MRI apparatuses where precision is required.

Innovation Solution

A movable medical bed system with a power supply apparatus that includes a first and second element capable of engaging in electrical energy transmission without plugging, utilizing inductive coupling or contact-based energy transfer, and optionally with shielding to reduce electromagnetic interference, and guided docking for precise positioning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual plugging and unplugging of power source plugs is used, then power can be supplied to electrical equipment on the medical bed, but frequent manual operations are inconvenient and inefficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower supply operationVSAvoidtime for plugging and unplugging
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically establishes electrical connection when the medical bed moves to the target position. The bed body is equipped with a power receiving device that automatically docks with the power transmitting device at the target position, eliminating the need for manual plugging operations. The system serves itself by detecting position and automatically connecting power.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical plug-and-socket system with an automatic electrical connection system. Instead of manually connecting physical plugs, the system uses electromagnetic coupling between transmitting and receiving devices to establish power connection automatically based on position detection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the medical bed moves between multiple positions, then patient transport convenience is improved, but frequent manual power connection operations increase workload

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebed mobilityVSAvoidpower connection operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically manages power connection based on the bed's movement state. When the bed arrives at a target position, the power receiving device automatically docks with the power transmitting device without requiring manual intervention. The system monitors position and autonomously establishes or breaks electrical connections as needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system prepares power connection in advance by positioning the power receiving device on the bed body to align with target position power transmitting devices. Before the bed actually reaches the target position, the connection mechanism is ready to engage immediately upon arrival, ensuring seamless power supply.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If automatic power connection is implemented, then operational convenience is improved, but electromagnetic interference may increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower supply operationVSAvoidelectromagnetic interference
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent acknowledges electromagnetic interference as an inherent issue with automatic power transmission but converts it into a manageable parameter through shielding measures. The system uses electromagnetic shielding materials and structures to contain and control the interference, transforming a harmful effect into a controlled aspect of the design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The system introduces electromagnetic shielding as an intermediary element between the power transmitting and receiving devices. This shielding layer acts as a mediator that allows power transmission while filtering and reducing harmful electromagnetic interference, protecting sensitive medical equipment from interference.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Enables convenient and efficient power supply without manual intervention, allowing for accurate positioning and reduced electromagnetic interference, thereby improving operational efficiency and convenience.

Implementation Method 1

capable of engaging in electrical energy transmission without plugging, utilizing inductive coupling or contact-based energy transfer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInductive coupling: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

optionally with shielding to reduce electromagnetic interference

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic shielding: Faraday Cage

Data Source

PatentUS12350208B2Movable medical bed system and MRI apparatus
Publication Date: 2025.07.08 SIEMENS HEALTHINEERS AG
  • US12350208B2 patent drawing
  • US12350208B2 patent drawing
  • US12350208B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A movable medical bed system may include a bed body and a power supply apparatus. The power supply apparatus may include an electrical energy receiver and an electrical energy transmitter. The electrical energy receiver is arranged on the bed body. The electrical energy transmitter is configured to be connected to a power source. The bed body is able to move to a working position relative to the electrical energy transmitter. When the bed body is located at the working position, the electrical energy receiver can engage in electrical energy transmission with the electrical energy transmitter without plugging-in. The movable medical bed system helps to make the supply of power more convenient.