Patient support apparatus having an integrated limb compression device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing patient support apparatuses, such as beds, face issues with the integration of limb compression devices, including the risk of control boxes slipping off footboards and long power cords posing tripping hazards, and lack of adaptive operation based on bed features or patient conditions.
Innovation Solution
A patient support apparatus with a frame, integrated control circuitry, and a footboard housing a compression module that includes a pneumatic system for limb compression, with features like wireless power and communication, temperature control, and adaptive operation based on patient position and bed configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the control box is hung on the footboard, then the compression device can be operated, but the control box may slip off and create safety risks
Solution Approach 1:
The control box is integrated into the footboard structure, merging two previously separate components (control box and footboard) into a unified assembly. This eliminates the slipping risk while maintaining operational accessibility, as the control box becomes a permanent, stable part of the footboard rather than a detachable component.
2Use of energy by moving object
If long power cords are routed from the control box to power outlets, then power can be supplied, but tripping hazards are created
Solution Approach 1:
The power cord routing is extracted from the problematic external path (across the floor to wall outlets) and reconfigured to follow the integrated footboard structure. The power connection is built into the footboard assembly, eliminating the need for long external cords that create tripping hazards while maintaining reliable power supply to the compression device.
3Reliability
If the control box is mounted elsewhere on the bed or within recesses, then stability is improved, but the system cannot adapt operation based on bed features
Solution Approach 1:
The control circuitry detects the position of the deck section (elevated or lowered) and automatically adjusts compression therapy operation accordingly. When the deck section is elevated, compression therapy is disabled; when lowered, compression therapy is enabled. This feedback mechanism allows the system to adapt its operation based on real-time bed configuration while maintaining the stability benefits of integrated mounting.
4Duration of action of moving object
If compression therapy operates during deck section elevation, then therapy continuity is maintained, but patient safety is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The compression therapy system dynamically adjusts its operation based on real-time detection of deck section position. The control circuitry continuously monitors whether the deck section is elevated or lowered and automatically enables or disables compression therapy accordingly, ensuring safety while minimizing interruption to the therapy regimen.
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 integrates the compression module securely within the footboard, eliminates tripping hazards, and adapts therapy parameters according to patient position and bed conditions, enhancing safety and effectiveness of limb compression therapy.
Implementation Method 1
During operation of the compression module to inflate the compression sleeve, air may move from ambient surroundings into the first interior region of the footboard through the second opening and air may move into the second interior region in the housing of the compression module through the at least one first opening
Implementation Method 2
during operation of the compression module to deflate the compression sleeve, air may exit from the second interior region of the housing of the compression module into the first interior region of the footboard and air may exit from the first interior region of the footboard into the ambient surroundings through the second opening
Data Source
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AI summary
A patient support apparatus includes a frame having a patient support deck. A footboard is removably coupled to the frame. A compression therapy module is located inside the footboard or is mounted to a foot section of the frame. A sleeve port is pneumatically coupled to the compression therapy module and is located on the foot section. The sleeve port is configured for attachment to at least one tube extending from a compression sleeve worn on a limb of a patient. Control circuitry is coupled to the frame and is operable to control functions of the patient support apparatus and to control the compression therapy module. A graphical display screen is coupled to the control circuitry and displays user inputs that are selected to control functions of the patient support apparatus and the compression therapy module.