Patient support apparatus tracking system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current patient support apparatus tracking systems lack efficient methods for identifying and managing the status and maintenance needs of patient support equipment, particularly in hospitals, leading to potential delays in maintenance and replacement.
Innovation Solution
A patient support apparatus tracking system utilizing radio-frequency identification (RFID) tags embedded in components like mattress covers and frames, which include identification memory units with unique sort-prefix and serial numbers, and service memory units for logging updates, allowing a controller to communicate equipment status and updates to a display or remote device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If RFID tags with separate identification and service memory units are used, then tracking precision and service management capability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The RFID tag memory is segmented into distinct identification memory units and service memory units. The identification memory stores unique device identifiers and classification information, while the service memory stores maintenance and service data. This segmentation allows precise tracking of equipment identity and service status independently, improving measurement precision without requiring a completely complex system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The RFID tag system serves multiple functions: it identifies equipment, tracks service history, monitors maintenance needs, and enables inventory management. By making the RFID system multi-functional, the patent improves tracking precision and service management capability while justifying the increased device complexity through the consolidation of multiple tracking functions into a single integrated system.
2Loss of time
If comprehensive service data logging is implemented, then maintenance timing accuracy is improved, but data storage requirements and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The service memory unit is pre-configured to automatically log service events and maintenance data as they occur. This preliminary action of continuous data logging ensures that maintenance timing information is captured accurately without requiring complex real-time analysis systems. The data is recorded in advance, allowing for precise maintenance scheduling when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The RFID tag system performs self-service by automatically recording and maintaining its own service history and maintenance data. This eliminates the need for external manual tracking systems, reducing overall system complexity while improving maintenance timing accuracy through automated, consistent data capture.
3Productivity
If sort-prefix based singulation is used for multiple RFID tags, then inventory management efficiency is improved, but communication protocol complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sort-prefix provides local quality differentiation within the RFID tag identification structure. By incorporating classification information at the sort-prefix level, the system can efficiently group and manage different types of equipment (mattresses, mattress covers, frames) without requiring complex communication protocols. The local quality of the sort-prefix enables targeted inventory management for specific equipment categories.
4Measurement precision
If unique identification data with sort-prefix and serial number is implemented, then equipment identification accuracy is improved, but data processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The identification data is segmented into sort-prefix (for classification) and serial number (for unique identification). This segmentation improves equipment identification accuracy by providing both categorical and specific identification, while reducing data processing requirements compared to using single long identifiers. The segmented structure allows for efficient database indexing and querying.
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
Enables accurate tracking and management of patient support equipment, ensuring timely maintenance, replacement, and inventory control, thereby improving operational efficiency and reducing downtime.
Implementation Method 1
A patient support apparatus tracking system utilizes radio-frequency identification (RFID) tags embedded in components like mattress covers and frames
Data Source
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AI summary
A patient support apparatus tracking system (10) includes at least one of a frame (14), mattress (18), and mattress cover (22). A radio-frequency identification (RFID) tag (30) may be embedded within the at least one of the frame (14), mattress (18), and mattress cover (22). The RFID tag (30) may include an identification memory unit (34) including read-only sort-prefix data corresponding to the one of the frame (14), mattress (18), and mattress cover (22) and a service memory unit (38) comprising a read/write configuration including a greater amount of digital storage than the identification memory unit (34). The RFID tag (30) may be configured to receive a log of configurable equipment updates into the service memory unit (38) and communicate the sort-prefix from the identification memory unit (34) and the log of equipment updates to a controller (42) via a reader device (46).