Patient support apparatus tracking system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current patient support apparatus tracking systems lack efficient methods for identifying and managing the status and maintenance needs of patient support equipment, such as mattresses and frames, which can lead to inadequate tracking of wash cycles, maintenance schedules, and equipment life, resulting in inefficiencies and potential safety issues.
Innovation Solution
A patient support apparatus tracking system utilizing radio-frequency identification (RFID) tags embedded within the equipment, including memory units for identification and service data, which communicate with a controller to update and track equipment status, wash cycles, and maintenance schedules, and can export data to a remote device for centralized management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If RFID tags with memory units are embedded in patient support apparatus, then tracking precision and data storage capacity are improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The RFID tag memory is segmented into multiple distinct units: an identification memory unit storing patient support apparatus identity data (sort-prefix and serial number) and a service memory unit storing service data (wash cycle counts, maintenance records). This segmentation allows the system to track different aspects of equipment status separately, improving tracking precision while keeping each memory unit's complexity manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent embeds the RFID tag containing multiple memory units within the patient support apparatus (mattress, frame, or mattress cover). This nesting approach integrates the tracking system into the existing equipment structure, improving tracking capability without significantly increasing overall device complexity from an external perspective.
2Reliability
If RFID tags with service memory units are used to track wash cycles and maintenance, then reliability of equipment management is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The service memory unit is pre-configured with counters and data structures to automatically track wash cycle counts, maintenance dates, and service history. This preliminary setup ensures that equipment management data is captured systematically from the start, improving reliability of maintenance scheduling and equipment lifecycle management without requiring complex external tracking systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The RFID tag's service memory unit autonomously records and updates service data (wash cycles, maintenance events) without requiring external intervention for each event. The tag self-manages the tracking of equipment usage and maintenance history, improving management reliability while minimizing the complexity of external monitoring systems needed.
3Loss of information
If multiple memory units are integrated into RFID tags, then information storage capacity is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The information storage is segmented into two functional memory units with distinct purposes: identification memory for equipment tagging and service memory for maintenance tracking. This segmentation allows each memory unit to be optimized for its specific function, improving overall information storage efficiency while potentially using standard, cost-effective memory technologies for each unit rather than requiring a single large-capacity memory system.
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 system enables accurate tracking and management of patient support apparatus, ensuring timely maintenance, reducing the risk of equipment failure, and improving operational efficiency by providing real-time status updates and scheduled maintenance alerts.
Implementation Method 1
A patient support apparatus tracking system utilizes radio-frequency identification (RFID) tags embedded within the equipment
Data Source
AI summary
A patient support apparatus tracking system includes at least one of a frame, mattress, and mattress cover. A radio-frequency identification (RFID) tag may be embedded within the at least one of the frame, mattress, and mattress cover. The RFID tag may include an identification memory unit including read-only sort-prefix data corresponding to the one of the frame, mattress, and mattress cover and a service memory unit comprising a read/write configuration including a greater amount of digital storage than the identification memory unit. The RFID tag may be configured to receive a log of configurable equipment updates into the service memory unit and communicate the sort-prefix from the identification memory unit and the log of equipment updates to a controller via a reader device.