Patient Support Control Interface for Articulation and Battery Status
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing patient support apparatuses face challenges in articulation control systems that are complex, costly, and require multiple adjustment points, making it difficult to articulate the apparatus easily, especially for incapacitated patients, and there is a need for efficient battery management and cord/line management during transport.
Innovation Solution
A control system with a power supply, battery charger, and indication system that provides real-time battery status through a graphical user interface, allowing for easy articulation and efficient battery management, along with cord and line management structures for transport.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual articulation controls with multiple handles are used, then the patient support apparatus can be articulated, but the control system becomes complex and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical articulation controls with an automated system that uses sensors to detect patient position and automatically adjusts the articulation. The control system uses electronic signals instead of mechanical handles and levers to control the articulation movement, thereby reducing the complexity of the control interface while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically monitors and adjusts articulation based on sensor feedback without requiring manual intervention. The control system self-regulates the articulation process by detecting patient position changes and automatically actuating the appropriate mechanisms, eliminating the need for complex manual control systems.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple adjustment points are used for tuning actuation stroke, then the system can be precisely controlled, but the device becomes more complex and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses programmable control parameters to adjust the actuation stroke instead of physical adjustment points. The control system stores different actuation profiles in memory and can switch between them electronically, allowing precise control of articulation movement without requiring multiple physical adjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
A single programmable control unit performs multiple functions including actuation stroke tuning, position monitoring, and mode selection. This universal controller replaces what would traditionally require multiple specialized adjustment points, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining precision.
3Adaptability or versatility
If battery powered components are used for transport, then the patient support apparatus can be moved, but the battery level may prevent proper operation
Solution Approach 1:
The control system continuously monitors battery charge level and provides feedback to the user interface. When the battery reaches critical charge levels, the system alerts the user and can automatically limit non-essential functions to preserve power for critical operations, ensuring reliable operation during transport.
Solution Approach 2:
The system checks battery charge status before initiating transport mode and provides advance warning if the battery level is insufficient. This preliminary check prevents unexpected operation failures during transport by ensuring adequate power availability before movement begins.
Data Source
AI summary
A patient support apparatus includes a control system that simplifies operation of the patient support apparatus for a caregiver by simplifying the information available to the caregiver during operation of the patient support apparatus. The patient support apparatus provides indicators at the site of care for the caregiver, as well as indicators that are discernable from a distance, indicators providing concise information to the caregiver regarding the status of functions of the patient support apparatus and an alarm function of the patient support apparatus.