Patient Support Apparatus Hold Mode on Inclined Surfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing patient support apparatuses lack improved usability and adaptability to effectively navigate different environments and use case scenarios, particularly when encountering inclined floor surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A patient support apparatus with a support structure, a drive system, and a user interface that includes a motor, a motor control circuit, and a processor to control the drive system. The system can detect an inclined floor surface and adjust the drive system to decelerate and limit motion based on user input via the user interface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the patient support apparatus uses conventional non-powered auxiliary wheels, then the structure is simple, but the ability to navigate inclined surfaces and diverse environments is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The auxiliary wheel is designed to perform multiple functions: it can be deployed as a powered drive wheel for navigating inclined surfaces and positioned as a non-swiveling auxiliary wheel for providing stability and controlling movement on flat surfaces. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by enabling the same component to adapt to different environmental requirements without adding separate dedicated systems for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The auxiliary wheel's characteristics are made dynamically adjustable through the powered system, allowing it to transition between different operational modes (powered drive vs. non-swiveling auxiliary) based on the terrain and operational needs. This dynamic capability enables the apparatus to handle both inclined surfaces and flat environments effectively while maintaining a relatively simple base structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the patient support apparatus uses powered auxiliary wheels, then the ability to navigate ramps and corners is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The powered auxiliary wheel serves dual purposes: it provides powered propulsion for navigating ramps and corners, and when repositioned, functions as a non-swiveling auxiliary wheel for stability. This eliminates the need for separate powered and auxiliary wheel systems, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining enhanced navigational capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the functions of powered drive wheels and non-swiveling auxiliary wheels into a single integrated auxiliary wheel assembly. This merging of functions reduces the total number of components and simplifies the overall device structure while preserving the ability to navigate diverse environments including ramps and corners.
3Reliability
If the drive system automatically controls motion on inclined surfaces, then safety is improved, but the ease of operation by users is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The control system continuously monitors the operational state of the patient support apparatus and receives input from the user interface, then adjusts the powered auxiliary wheel's operation accordingly. This feedback mechanism enables the system to automatically control motion on inclined surfaces for safety while still allowing users to override or adjust the control based on their needs, maintaining operational flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system automatically detects when the apparatus is on an inclined surface and activates the powered auxiliary wheel to control descent or ascent, reducing the physical effort and skill required from the user. This self-service capability improves safety on inclines while maintaining ease of operation, as users simply need to engage the system rather than manually manage complex control functions.
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 the usability and adaptability of patient support apparatuses by enabling controlled movement on inclined surfaces, improving safety and maneuverability in diverse environments.
Implementation Method 1
a motor coupled to the auxiliary wheel to rotate the auxiliary wheel relative to the support structure at a rotational speed
Implementation Method 2
operate the auxiliary wheel assembly to decelerate the auxiliary wheel and at least partially limit motion along the inclined floor surface
Data Source
AI summary
A patient support apparatus for transporting a patient over a floor surface is described herein. The patient support apparatus includes a drive system with a drive member, a user interface arranged for selective user engagement by a user to operate the drive system, and a control system for operating the drive system. The control system includes a processor configured to determine that the patient transport apparatus is traveling on an inclined floor surface, monitor the user interface for changes in user engagement by a user, and operate the drive system to decelerate the drive member to one of a plurality of positions based on the changes in user engagement.