Patient Support Controller Adjusting Actuator Speed
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional patient support systems lack the ability to control the rate of operation of actuatable devices, which can be too fast for patients with skin lesions and too slow for other conditions, posing challenges in patient care.
Innovation Solution
A patient support system with a controller that adjusts the rate of operation of actuatable devices based on patient conditions, using user input devices and sensors to ensure appropriate movement rates, and incorporating a voice actuation interface for caregiver convenience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a default rate of operation is used for actuatable devices, then the system is simple to operate, but the rate may be too fast for patients with skin lesions or too slow for other conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the rate of operation of actuatable devices based on real-time patient conditions detected by sensors. The controller modifies operational parameters on-the-fly, transitioning from static default rates to adaptive dynamic rates that respond to patient needs such as skin lesion sensitivity or other medical conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters (rate of operation) based on patient conditions. Sensors detect patient state and the controller adjusts the speed and rate of actuatable devices accordingly, allowing the same device to operate at different rates for different patient conditions without requiring manual reconfiguration.
2Productivity
If the rate of operation is increased for efficiency, then productivity improves, but patient comfort deteriorates for patients with skin lesions
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically adjusts the rate of operation parameter based on patient conditions. For patients with skin lesions or sensitive conditions, the controller reduces the operational rate to prevent discomfort, while for stable patients it maintains higher rates for productivity. This dynamic parameter adjustment resolves the conflict between efficiency and patient comfort.
3Reliability
If the rate of operation is decreased for patient safety, then patient comfort improves, but system efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies different operational rates to different actuatable devices or different portions of the patient support system based on local patient conditions. Rather than uniformly slowing down all operations, the controller selectively adjusts rates for specific devices interacting with sensitive areas while maintaining efficient operation of other components, thus preserving overall system productivity while ensuring patient safety.
4Device complexity
If continuous button depression is required to maintain function, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides self-service by automatically maintaining the desired function without requiring continuous user input. Once the caregiver initiates a function, the controller continues operating the actuatable device at the appropriate rate based on sensor feedback, eliminating the need for continuous button depression while adding intelligent control capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
A patient support system comprises a patient support apparatus for patients. The patient support apparatus also comprises an actuatable device that perform one or more predetermined functions on the patient support apparatus. A controller is provided to control the rate of operation of the actuatable devices based on a user input or a patient condition.