Patient Support Ramp Detection via Velocity Sensor
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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 in transitioning over inclined floor surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A patient support apparatus with a support structure featuring a velocity sensor, an auxiliary wheel assembly with a motor-driven auxiliary wheel, and a control system that includes a memory device storing transition profiles and a processor to calculate distances and compare positions to determine inclined surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional patient support apparatus with basic caster wheels is used, then the device structure remains simple, but the apparatus lacks adaptability to navigate inclined floor surfaces and different environments
Solution Approach 1:
The control system proactively detects inclined surfaces using velocity sensors and position sensors before the apparatus encounters difficulty navigating them. The system calculates distance traveled and compares it with stored transition profiles to identify ramps in advance, allowing the powered auxiliary wheel to be deployed at the optimal moment rather than reacting after the problem arises.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus transitions from a static wheel configuration to a dynamic one by deploying the powered auxiliary wheel only when needed. The auxiliary wheel assembly moves between retracted and deployed positions based on real-time detection of floor conditions, allowing the device to adapt its structure dynamically to match environmental requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If powered auxiliary wheel is continuously deployed, then the apparatus can navigate ramps and inclined surfaces effectively, but the device complexity and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The powered auxiliary wheel operates periodically rather than continuously. The control system activates the auxiliary wheel only during detected transition events (when ramps or inclined surfaces are identified), and retracts it during normal flat surface operation, creating an on-demand operational pattern that reduces overall energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses onboard sensors and processors to automatically detect and respond to environmental conditions without external intervention. The velocity sensor, position sensor, and control system work together to autonomously determine when ramp navigation is needed and activate the auxiliary wheel accordingly, eliminating the need for manual operation or constant monitoring.
3Measurement precision
If velocity sensor and transition profile detection system are added, then the apparatus can accurately detect inclined surfaces, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system performs multiple functions using the same sensor data: it monitors velocity, calculates distance traveled, detects transition events, compares data against stored profiles, and controls auxiliary wheel deployment. This multi-functional approach allows accurate ramp detection without proportionally increasing system complexity, as one control architecture handles diverse tasks.
Solution Approach 2:
The system stores pre-programmed transition profiles that represent known ramp characteristics in memory. Instead of developing complex real-time algorithms to identify all possible ramp types, the system creates and compares against simplified copies (profiles) of typical transition patterns, reducing computational complexity while maintaining detection accuracy for common scenarios.
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 ability to navigate various environments by accurately detecting and adapting to inclined floor surfaces, improving maneuverability and safety during patient transport.
Implementation Method 1
the frame includes a velocity sensor configured to sense a velocity of the patient support apparatus over a floor surface
Implementation Method 2
The auxiliary wheel assembly also includes an auxiliary wheel actuator operatively coupled to the auxiliary wheel by a wheel support structure
Implementation Method 3
an auxiliary wheel drive system having a motor coupled to the auxiliary wheel to rotate the auxiliary wheel relative to the support structure at a rotational speed
Implementation Method 4
The control system includes an auxiliary wheel position sensor coupled to the wheel support structure and configured to sense a plurality of positions of the auxiliary wheel actuator relative to the frame of the support structure
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 for receiving user commands from a user to operate the drive system, and a control system for operating the drive system. The control system includes a memory device configured to store a plurality of transition profiles and a controller configured to sense a plurality of positions of the drive member relative to the support structure, calculate a distance traveled by the patient support apparatus over the floor surface, compare the plurality of positions of the drive member and the distance traveled by the patient support apparatus with the transition profiles, and determine that the patient support apparatus is traveling on an inclined floor surface.