Patient Support Apparatus Motion Limit Customization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing patient support apparatuses lack the ability to customize movement limits for components such as litter frames and backrest sections, which can lead to unsafe or inefficient patient positioning, as existing systems do not allow for flexible adjustment of height and angle settings based on specific patient needs or healthcare facility protocols.
Innovation Solution
A patient support apparatus system that includes a computer device to transmit motion limit messages to authorized devices, allowing for customization of movement limits for litter frames and backrest sections through a controller and transceiver system, enabling secure and adjustable height and angle settings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If fixed movement limits are used in patient support apparatuses, then device simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to different patient needs and facility protocols is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of movement limits by allowing the controller to receive and process motion limit messages that modify the operational parameters of actuators. The system transitions from fixed, hard-coded limits to dynamically configurable limits that can be adjusted based on patient needs and facility protocols, while maintaining a relatively simple overall system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables parameter changes by allowing the range of motion parameters (minimum and maximum height, angular limits) to be modified through received messages. The controller stores and applies these parameter changes to the actuator operations, enabling customization without requiring physical reconfiguration or complex mechanical changes to the apparatus.
2Reliability
If unauthorized movement is allowed, then ease of operation is improved, but patient safety is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback control by continuously monitoring actuator positions and comparing them against the configured motion limits. When movement attempts to exceed established boundaries, the controller receives and processes information about the violation and takes corrective action to prevent unsafe positioning, ensuring patient safety while maintaining operational control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies preliminary anti-action by pre-configuring motion limits that prevent potentially harmful movements before they can occur. The controller is programmed with boundary conditions that automatically inhibit actuator operation beyond safe ranges, proactively preventing unsafe patient positioning rather than reacting after a violation occurs.
Data Source
AI summary
A patient support apparatus includes a litter frame, a support deck, an actuator, a user interface, a transceiver, and a controller. The controller is adapted to limit the movement of the actuator to a first range of motion in the absence of receiving a motion limit message from an off-board device via the transceiver or from a local user interface on the patient support apparatus. The controller is further adapted to limit the movement of the actuator to a second and different range of motion after receiving and implementing a motion limit message. The off-board device may be a local server positioned in a healthcare facility, a remote server, or another device. In some embodiments, the patient support apparatus includes a memory with stored data defining the multiple ranges of motion and the controller selects one of the ranges of motion in response to the motion limit message.