Patient Support Control Panel with Dynamic State-Based Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Patient care devices often have control panels that are not easily understood, especially when conditions change, leading to user confusion and potential misuse or safety issues.
Innovation Solution
A patient support apparatus with a control panel that automatically adapts its functionality and illumination based on the device's configuration and power state, disabling or enabling controls and changing backlight states to reflect available functions and safety conditions, ensuring users understand the device's capabilities and limitations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the control panel provides all controls for all possible configurations, then the device is versatile and can perform all functions, but the control panel becomes complex and difficult to understand
Solution Approach 1:
The control panel dynamically changes its displayed controls and backlighting based on the current configuration state of the patient support apparatus. When the apparatus is in a particular configuration, the control system disables certain controls and changes the illumination state of corresponding backlights to indicate which functions are currently available or restricted, making the interface adaptive to the device's state rather than static
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the control panel (different controls and backlights) have different illumination states based on their relevance to the current configuration. Some backlights are illuminated while others are dimmed or turned off, creating local variations in visibility and accessibility that guide the user's attention to appropriate controls for the current state
2Loss of information
If the control panel provides comprehensive information for all functions, then the user has complete information, but the user becomes confused when conditions change
Solution Approach 1:
The control panel dynamically updates its information display by enabling or disabling controls and changing backlight illumination states in response to changes in device configuration or power state. This dynamic adaptation ensures that only relevant information is presented to the user at any given moment, preventing confusion while maintaining information completeness for the current state
Solution Approach 2:
The control system provides visual feedback through backlight illumination changes that indicate the current operational state and available functions. When the apparatus enters a particular configuration or power state, the system immediately provides feedback by altering the illumination state of relevant backlights, helping the user understand what functions are currently available without overwhelming them with irrelevant information
3Adaptability or versatility
If the device operates with full functionality, then the device is versatile, but safety risks increase when battery levels are low
Solution Approach 1:
The control system dynamically adjusts the available functionality based on the battery charge level. When the battery charge falls below a threshold, the system automatically disables certain controls and changes the illumination state of backlights to indicate reduced functionality, preventing the device from operating in states that could be unsafe with limited power
Solution Approach 2:
The device monitors its own power state and automatically adjusts its operational capabilities without user intervention. The control system detects when battery charge falls below the threshold and autonomously restricts available functions by disabling controls and altering backlight illumination, ensuring safety without requiring the user to manually manage power consumption
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
Enhances user understanding and safety by dynamically adjusting the control panel's functionality and appearance according to the device's state, preventing misuse and ensuring safe operation, especially when battery levels are low or exit detection systems are armed.
Implementation Method 1
The first backlight provides backlighting for the first control and the second backlight provides backlighting for the second control
Data Source
AI summary
A patient support apparatus, such as a bed, cot, recliner, operating table, stretcher, or the like, includes a control panel with multiple controls for controlling functions of the patient support apparatus. A control system disables at least a first control and changes an illumination state of a backlight when the patient support apparatus is in a particular state. In some embodiments, the particular state is the arming of an exit detection system and/or the deactivation of a brake on the patient support apparatus. The particular state may also or alternatively be tied to a particular mode of the patient support apparatus, such as a diagnostic mode, a maintenance mode, and/or a normal mode. The control system may also never illuminate a first icon on the patient support apparatus if it was initially configured in a particular manner, such as being intended for sale in a particular geographic market.