Multi-position Support Apparatus with Sensor Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-position supporting apparatuses, such as hospital beds, lack effective control over user position changes and weight distribution, which can lead to instability and safety issues during treatment or movement, particularly in medical applications where precise weight-bearing control is necessary.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a pressure sensor and weight sensor system with a processor to monitor and display pressure and weight distribution, along with a motor drive and alarm system to control tilting and prevent excessive pressure, enabling precise control over user positioning and safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a pressure sensor is carried by the feet support to sense pressure applied by the user, then pressure sensing capability is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional sensors and processing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure sensor system serves multiple functions: detecting user presence, measuring weight, monitoring pressure distribution, and controlling tilting operations. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by providing comprehensive user support and safety features through a single integrated sensing system.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure sensor output is fed back to the processor, which automatically controls the tilting mechanism to prevent excessive pressure on the user's feet. This closed-loop feedback system enables automatic adjustment and safety control, making the complexity worthwhile by eliminating manual monitoring and improving user safety.
2Measurement precision
If a weight sensor is added to sense user weight on the body support, then weight measurement capability is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional sensors and processing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The weight sensor integrated into the body support structure provides multiple functions including user presence detection, weight measurement, and tilt angle calculation. This multi-functional approach justifies the added complexity by enabling comprehensive user monitoring and control capabilities through a single sensing element.
Solution Approach 2:
The weight sensing capability is merged with the existing body support structure, integrating the sensor into the mattress or support framework. This combination eliminates the need for separate weight measurement devices and integrates multiple functions (weight measurement, presence detection, tilt calculation) into a unified system.
3Ease of operation
If the body support is tilted to vertical position for user exit, then ease of operation is improved, but user safety deteriorates due to potential instability and excessive pressure on feet
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure sensor provides continuous feedback on the force applied by the user's feet during tilting. The processor uses this feedback to automatically stop the tilting mechanism when excessive pressure is detected, preventing foot injury while enabling safe user exit. This feedback control resolves the safety concern while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies preliminary protective action by detecting excessive pressure trends during tilting and preemptively stopping the motion before dangerous pressure levels are reached. This preventive control mechanism ensures user safety during the exit process while maintaining the convenience of vertical positioning.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the body support is tilted to inclined position for treatment, then adaptability is improved, but user stability deteriorates due to potential shifting and discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure sensor continuously monitors the distribution of pressure on the user's feet during inclined positioning. The processor uses this feedback to make real-time adjustments to the tilting mechanism, optimizing the inclination angle to maintain user stability and comfort while providing the required adaptability for different treatment positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the tilting angle based on real-time pressure feedback from the sensor. Rather than using fixed positions, the system continuously adapts the body support angle to maintain optimal pressure distribution, thereby preserving user stability while providing versatile positioning capabilities for different treatment requirements.
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 user safety by providing real-time feedback and control over weight-bearing distribution, preventing falls and discomfort, and facilitating tailored medical treatments through precise positioning adjustments.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure sensor carried by the feet-support for sensing the pressure applied by the user to the feet-support and for producing an output corresponding thereto
Implementation Method 2
a weight sensor for sensing the weight of the user on the body support and for producing an output corresponding thereto
Data Source
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AI summary
Supporting apparatus for supporting a user in one of a plurality of positions and for moving the user from one position to another, comprises a base for supporting the apparatus on a horizontal surface; a body support carried by the base for supporting the user in a horizontal position; a feet support engageable with the under surface of the user's feet; a tilting mechanism coupled to and between the base and the body support to enable tilting the body support to a horizontal position, inclined position, or vertical position with respect to the base; a pressure-sensor carried by the feet-support for sensing the pressure applied by the user to the feet-support and for producing an output corresponding thereto; a weight sensor for sensing the weight of the user on the body support and for producing an output corresponding thereto; and a processor for processing the outputs of the pressure-sensor and the weight-sensor for producing an output corresponding thereto.