Patient Support PCB Data Backup for Board Replacement
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Solution Overview
Problem
The replacement of printed circuit boards in medical devices often results in the permanent loss of data stored on the replaced boards, leading to inaccurate data retention and management.
Innovation Solution
A patient support apparatus with multiple circuit boards that automatically transfer and store backup data, allowing seamless replacement without data loss, and includes mechanisms to detect corrupted files and update remote servers with accurate data sets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If circuit boards are replaced for maintenance and upgrade purposes, then device reliability and adaptability are improved, but data stored on the replaced circuit boards is permanently lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary data backup actions by storing copies of data from each circuit board's memory onto other circuit boards before replacement occurs. This preliminary action ensures data is preserved before the circuit board is removed, preventing permanent data loss while allowing the board to be replaced for maintenance or upgrades.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates backup copies of data from each circuit board's non-volatile memory and stores these copies on other circuit boards within the medical device. This copying mechanism ensures that when a circuit board is replaced, the original data can be recovered from the backup copies, thus preventing data loss while enabling board replacement.
2Loss of information
If manual data transfer procedures are implemented during circuit board replacement, then data retention can be achieved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to required manual steps
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs data backup and transfer operations automatically without requiring manual intervention from technicians. The controllers on each circuit board autonomously identify when a board has been replaced and initiate data transfer procedures, eliminating the need for manual data copying steps while ensuring complete data retention.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where controllers continuously monitor the presence and status of circuit boards. When a board replacement is detected, the system automatically triggers data recovery procedures by identifying which boards need data and transferring it from backup locations, ensuring data retention without manual intervention.
3Loss of information
If data is automatically transferred between circuit boards, then data retention is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional controllers and memory interactions
Solution Approach 1:
The system designs each circuit board with universal capabilities to store and transfer data. Each board's controller can both store its own operational data and serve as a backup storage location for other boards' data. This multi-functionality allows any board to potentially hold backup data for any other board, simplifying the overall architecture while ensuring data retention.
Solution Approach 2:
The system segments data storage across multiple independent circuit boards, where each board maintains its own data and can store backup copies of other boards' data. This segmentation distributes the data retention function across multiple components rather than requiring a centralized complex backup system, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining data security.
4Measurement precision
If multiple backup copies are stored across different circuit boards, then data accuracy is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the parameter of data storage by distributing multiple backup copies across different circuit boards rather than storing all copies on a single board. This parameter change improves data accuracy through redundancy while using standard manufacturing tolerances for each individual board, avoiding the need for high-precision manufacturing across the entire system.
Data Source
AI summary
A patient support apparatus, such as a bed, cot, stretcher, recliner, etc. includes a support deck, one or more lifts, and a plurality of circuit boards. Each circuit board includes an associated controller and memory, as well as a set of data associated with that circuit board. One of the controllers, such as, but not limited to, a main controller is adapted to automatically store a backup copy of the set of data associated with the other circuit boards. This main controller is further adapted to automatically determine if any of the circuit boards, including itself, are replacements of a previously installed circuit board. If so, the main controller uses the backup copy of the corresponding set of data to supply the replacement circuit board with the data from its previous counterpart, thereby ensuring that the historical data from past circuit boards is automatically transferred forward to their replacements.