Patient support apparatuses with dynamic control panels
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Patient care devices often have control panels that are not easily understood by users, especially when conditions or states of the device change, leading to confusion about the functionality and operation.
Innovation Solution
A patient support apparatus with a control system that dynamically adjusts the functionality and illumination of control panels based on the device's configuration and power state, disabling or enabling controls and changing backlight states to reflect available functions and ensuring user understanding of changing conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the control panel provides all functions at all times, then the device is versatile and adaptable, but the control panel becomes complex and difficult to understand
Solution Approach 1:
The control panel dynamically changes its configuration based on the device's operational state. When the device is in a particular configuration (such as a specific patient position), the control system automatically enables or disables certain controls and adjusts backlight illumination to guide the user. This dynamic adaptation allows the full versatility of functions to be available when needed while presenting a simplified interface at any given moment, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the control panel provides comprehensive functionality, then the device is adaptable to different conditions, but the ease of operation decreases due to user confusion
Solution Approach 1:
The control system continuously monitors the device's operational state and provides feedback to the user through dynamic control enabling/disabling and backlight illumination changes. When the device reaches a particular configuration, the system feedback mechanism automatically adjusts the control panel to reflect the current state and available functions. This feedback loop ensures users can easily understand which functions are currently available without being overwhelmed by unavailable options, maintaining both adaptability and ease of operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If controls are dynamically enabled and disabled, then the control panel adapts to device state, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system serves multiple functions through a single integrated mechanism. It not only enables and disables controls based on device state but also simultaneously adjusts backlight illumination to provide visual guidance. This multi-functional approach allows the control system to achieve sophisticated adaptation without proportionally increasing complexity, as the same control logic manages both control availability and visual feedback, making the system more efficient rather than more complex.
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.