Patient support apparatus
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need to reduce labor required for caregivers, lower healthcare costs, and enhance patient comfort and recovery by improving patient support apparatuses in in-patient environments.
Innovation Solution
A patient support apparatus equipped with a controller, sensors, and a notification system that provides visual indications of component statuses through iconic representations, integrated features like a patient pendant, storage, and monitoring systems, and ergonomic design elements to facilitate efficient care and patient comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional patient support apparatus without integrated monitoring is used, then device complexity is reduced, but caregiver labor and monitoring efficiency increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple monitoring functions (sensor arrays, vital signs detection, position monitoring) and communication capabilities into an integrated patient support apparatus. The controller consolidates data from multiple sensors and coordinates notification systems, creating a unified system that reduces caregiver workload while managing complexity through centralized control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patient support apparatus is designed with multi-functionality, serving as both a support structure and a comprehensive monitoring station. The same apparatus provides physical support, vital signs monitoring, position tracking, and communication functions, eliminating the need for separate monitoring devices and reducing overall system complexity.
2Reliability
If comprehensive monitoring systems are added to patient support apparatus, then patient comfort and care quality improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs self-service mechanisms through automated monitoring and notification. Sensors continuously detect patient conditions and apparatus status, automatically triggering notifications when thresholds are exceeded. This automation reduces the need for manual monitoring while maintaining high care quality, balancing reliability improvements with manageable complexity.
3Measurement precision
If multiple sensors and notification systems are integrated, then measurement precision and monitoring capability improve, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring system is segmented into specialized sensor modules, each dedicated to specific functions such as vital signs detection, position monitoring, or environmental sensing. This segmentation allows for optimized measurement precision in each domain while managing overall complexity through modular architecture, where each segment can be independently configured and maintained.
Data Source
AI summary
A patient support apparatus includes a base frame, lift mechanism supporting an upper frame relative to the base frame, a load frame, and a plurality of deck sections, a patient support surface, and a number of barriers positioned about the patient supporting surface. The patient support apparatus includes a notification system for visually notifying a caregiver of a condition or status of a component of the patient support apparatus.