Patient Support Actuator Control for Friction Load Compensation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional patient support apparatuses experience inefficiencies due to increased frictional loads at articulating joints over time, caused by wear, debris accumulation, and residue, which adversely affect the operation of actuator systems.
Innovation Solution
A patient support apparatus with a control system that includes sensors and a controller to detect frictional loads, log errors, and adjust the operation of the actuator system to compensate for these loads, ensuring smooth movement and maintaining efficient operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional patient support apparatuses are used with articulating joints, then the apparatus can facilitate patient care and transportation with adjustable positions, but over time the joints experience wear, debris accumulation, and residue buildup that increases frictional loads on the actuator systems
Solution Approach 1:
The control system proactively monitors frictional loads and adjusts actuator operation before severe wear or failure occurs. By continuously detecting frictional load levels and preemptively modifying operational parameters, the system prevents the accumulation of debris and residue from causing catastrophic failures, thereby maintaining reliability while preserving adjustability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous feedback monitoring of frictional loads at articulating joints. Sensors detect changes in frictional resistance during movement, and this information feeds back to the controller which adjusts actuator speed, torque, and positioning to compensate for wear and debris accumulation. This closed-loop feedback maintains operational efficiency despite the passage of time and joint degradation.
2Ease of operation
If articulating joints are used to enable smooth sliding and articulation, then patient care and transportation are facilitated, but these joints are susceptible to irregular wear and debris collection that increases frictional loads
Solution Approach 1:
The control system continuously monitors frictional load levels during articulating joint movement and uses this feedback to adjust actuator operation in real-time. When increased friction is detected due to wear or debris, the system compensates by modifying speed and torque parameters, maintaining smooth operation despite the presence of harmful frictional factors.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes operational parameters such as actuator speed, acceleration, and force application based on detected frictional load conditions. By adapting these parameters in response to wear and debris accumulation, the system maintains ease of operation while compensating for the increasing frictional resistance that would otherwise degrade movement smoothness.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If actuator systems operate with increasing frictional loads over time, then the apparatus continues to function, but operation efficiency is adversely affected and movement slows down
Solution Approach 1:
The control system proactively compensates for increasing frictional loads before they significantly impact operation speed. By continuously monitoring friction levels and preemptively adjusting actuator parameters, the system maintains productivity and prevents slowdowns, thereby extending the effective service life of the apparatus without sacrificing operational efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts actuator operational parameters including speed, torque, and power consumption based on detected frictional load conditions. This parameter adaptation allows the actuator to maintain effective movement speed despite increasing friction from wear and debris, preserving productivity while extending the apparatus's operational lifespan.
Data Source
AI summary
A patient support apparatus comprises a support structure comprising a base and a patient support surface to support a patient. An actuator system facilitates movement of the patient support surface relative to a floor surface. One or more sensors are responsive to changes in position of the patient support surface caused by the actuator system. A controller is operably coupled to the one or more sensors and the actuator system. The controller is configured to operate the actuator system to move the patient support surface and to monitor the movement of the patient support surface by sensing positions of the patient support surface over time. The controller is further configured to identify a frictional load event on the actuator system during movement in a present cycle and associate the frictional load event with a sensed position of the patient support surface in the present cycle.