Patient Support Actuator Coordination for Mobility Transitions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional patient support apparatuses in healthcare settings face limitations in enhancing patient mobility, safety, and ambulation, as they often lack the necessary configurations to facilitate smooth transitions from lying to standing positions efficiently.
Innovation Solution
The method involves a patient support apparatus with first, second, third, and fourth support actuators that adjust the patient support surface between various configurations, including a control system to simultaneously operate and interrupt these actuators to achieve optimal positioning for improved patient mobility and safety, such as moving from a flat to an egress configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional patient support apparatuses are used to provide basic support, then the patient can remain stable on the support surface, but the patient's mobility and ability to transition to standing positions is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the patient support surface dynamically adjustable through multiple actuators that can change the surface configuration in real-time. The support surface transitions from a static conventional design to a dynamic system that can adapt its shape and orientation to facilitate patient mobility and standing transitions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by adjusting multiple parameters of the support surface including height, angle, and configuration through coordinated actuator movement. By changing these parameters, the system optimizes the support surface for different patient positions and mobility requirements.
2Ease of operation
If the patient support surface is adjusted to bring feet closer to the floor for easier standing, then patient ambulation effort is reduced, but the control complexity of coordinating multiple actuators increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-programming the actuator sequences and coordination logic to automatically perform the complex movements required for patient transitions. The control system is pre-configured with the necessary movement patterns, allowing the system to execute coordinated actuator operations without real-time complex decision-making.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes feedback mechanisms where sensors monitor the actual positions of the support surface and actuators, and this information is fed back to the control system. The control system adjusts actuator operations based on this feedback to ensure precise coordination and achieve the desired patient transition while managing the complexity of multi-actuator control.
3Productivity
If multiple actuators operate simultaneously to change support configuration, then the patient can be repositioned efficiently, but the risk of interference between actuators increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-calculating and pre-programming the actuator operation sequences before simultaneous operation begins. The control system is pre-configured with the necessary timing and coordination data, allowing multiple actuators to operate simultaneously without interference while maintaining reliability through predetermined operation patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes feedback mechanisms where sensors continuously monitor actuator positions and the control system adjusts operations in real-time based on this feedback. This feedback loop detects and corrects any potential interference between actuators, ensuring reliable simultaneous operation while maintaining repositioning efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods, and techniques for operating a patient support apparatus are disclosed herein. The patient support apparatus includes a support structure including a base and a patient support surface to support a patient. The patient support apparatus also includes actuators operable to move the patient support surface relative to a floor surface. The patient support apparatus is adjustable between a first support configuration and a second support configuration by operating the actuators.