Patient Support Battery Control for Low-Charge Function Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Patient care devices, such as thermal management systems and support apparatuses, often lack effective battery management, providing inadequate information about battery state and failing to conserve power efficiently, leading to potential device malfunction due to battery drain.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a control system that monitors battery charge and replacement status, enabling power conservation modes, displaying battery status information, and automatically switching between operational states to extend battery life and ensure continued functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the actuator is disabled in a first manner (preventing movement in first direction) when charge state is lower than threshold, then battery power is conserved, but patient mobility and device functionality are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The control system dynamically adjusts actuator functionality based on real-time battery charge state monitoring. When charge state exceeds threshold, full bidirectional movement is enabled. When charge state falls below threshold, the system transitions to a dynamic mode where only movement in the second direction (egress-assisting direction) is permitted, while movement in the first direction is restricted. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by making actuator capability flexible rather than fixed, conserving power when necessary while maintaining essential functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of the actuator based on battery charge state. The charge state threshold serves as a trigger parameter that modifies the actuator's movement capabilities. By monitoring charge state and comparing it to the threshold, the control system alters the permissible range of motion and directional constraints, thereby adjusting the balance between power conservation and functional adaptability according to available energy levels.
2Duration of action of moving object
If automatic power conservation steps are taken before battery is drained, then battery life is extended, but device functionality is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The control system performs preliminary action by monitoring battery charge state and implementing power conservation measures before complete battery drain occurs. The threshold-based comparison triggers preemptive restrictions on actuator movement in the first direction, preventing total battery depletion. This preliminary intervention extends battery operational duration by conserving energy reserves, while still maintaining essential egress-assisting functionality through permitted movement in the second direction.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies partial action by selectively restricting only certain actuator movements (first direction) while permitting others (second direction). This partial limitation extends battery life without completely disabling device functionality. The selective application of power conservation measures maintains essential patient safety and egress capabilities while reducing overall power consumption to extend operational duration.
3Loss of information
If battery status information is displayed to enable user decision-making, then user awareness of battery state is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system implements feedback by monitoring battery charge state and providing this information to the user through the display interface. The feedback loop continuously compares actual charge state against the threshold and communicates the battery status and operational constraints to the user. This feedback mechanism reduces information loss by keeping users informed about battery state and available functionality, while the automated nature of the monitoring minimizes the added complexity compared to manual battery management.
Data Source
AI summary
A patient support apparatus, such as a bed, recliner, cot, stretcher, operating table, or the like, includes battery-powered circuitry whose functions are reduced, but not eliminated, as the battery charge level falls below a threshold. Electrical power may be cut off to one or more components of the battery-powered circuitry while still providing battery-supplied electrical power to the other components of the circuitry. A user interface provides battery status data, including a replacement status of a rechargeable battery, and allows a user to select different formats for displaying battery status data. Such formats include displays of battery charge level information not only in manners specific to the battery, but also in manners relative to the patient support apparatus, such as displays of how many, or how much of, one or more functions the patient support apparatus is able to perform based on the battery's current charge level.