Patient support apparatus and methods for supplying feedback to a user
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional patient support apparatuses lack cost-effective methods for providing tactile feedback to caregivers, often relying on additional components like motors and separate annunciators, which increase complexity and cost.
Innovation Solution
The integration of actuators that perform both operational and feedback functions using brushless electric motors, where the same motor can generate both operational and feedback signals, such as vibrational haptic feedback, eliminating the need for separate feedback devices and annunciators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If separate feedback devices (motors with eccentric masses) are added to provide tactile feedback, then tactile feedback capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling the actuator motor to perform both operational functions (moving the patient support surface) and feedback functions (providing tactile confirmation). The controller selectively activates the motor in different modes: in operational mode, the motor moves the support surface; in feedback mode, the controller receives a signal and activates the motor to provide tactile feedback through the actuator mechanism itself, eliminating the need for separate feedback devices.
2Ease of operation
If separate annunciators (speakers) are added to provide audible alarm signals, then alarm capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling the actuator motor to perform both operational functions (moving the patient support surface) and alarm functions (providing audible feedback). When an alarm condition is detected, the controller activates the motor to generate audible noise through the actuator mechanism, eliminating the need for separate speaker annunciators.
3Ease of operation
If additional components (motors, speakers) are added to provide feedback and alarm functions, then feedback and alarm capabilities are improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling the actuator motor to perform operational, feedback, and alarm functions, eliminating the need for separate feedback devices and annunciators. This reduces the bill of materials and assembly complexity, directly lowering manufacturing costs while maintaining all required capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the feedback and alarm functions into the existing actuator motor. The controller selectively activates the motor in different modes depending on the required function, combining multiple capabilities into a single component system, which reduces part count and manufacturing complexity.
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
This approach reduces the complexity and cost of patient support apparatuses by utilizing existing actuators to provide tactile and audible feedback, enhancing user interaction without additional components, thereby improving user experience and reducing manufacturing costs.
Implementation Method 1
the controller is configured to operate the brushless electric motor to vibrate without commutation to generate the haptic feedback
Implementation Method 2
brushless electric motors, where the same motor can generate both operational and feedback signals, such as vibrational haptic feedback
Data Source
AI summary
A patient support apparatus comprising a support structure, an input device, an actuator, and a controller. The support surface comprises a patient support surface. The input device generates an input signal. The actuator is coupled to the support structure and is configured to perform an operational function and a feedback function, separate from the operational function, to provide feedback to a user. The controller is in communication with the actuator and the input device and is configured to control the actuator to perform the operational function in response to receiving the input signal from the input device, and to control the actuator to perform the feedback function separate from performing the operational function.