Patient support systems and methods of use
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern patient support systems often include user interfaces that communicate operational information, but this information can be unintelligible to inexperienced users, making it difficult for them to correctly position the systems for accurate weight detection or therapeutic air application.
Innovation Solution
A patient support system with a control system and user interface that displays graphical icons indicating the correct positions of components, using color and directional indicators to guide users in positioning the system for accurate weight detection or therapeutic air therapy, and obstruction detection to prevent collisions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If detailed operational information is displayed to users, then system control capability is improved, but user comprehension is worsened due to unintelligible information for inexperienced users
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses color-coded indicators (e.g., green checkmarks for correct positions, red X marks for incorrect positions) to visually communicate system status and required actions. This transforms complex operational information into intuitive visual signals that are easily comprehended by users of all experience levels, resolving the contradiction between providing detailed information and ensuring user understanding.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent displays graphical representations (icons) that copy or represent the physical components of the patient support system (e.g., icons representing the deck, head section, foot section). These visual copies help users understand the relationship between control inputs and physical system states without requiring technical knowledge, thereby improving comprehension while preserving operational information.
2Measurement precision
If multiple components are monitored for positioning, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the patient support system into distinct monitorable components (head section, foot section, deck position, rail position), each with its own position sensor and status indicator. This segmentation allows precise monitoring of each component independently while presenting simplified individual status information to the user, resolving the contradiction between comprehensive monitoring and system simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a control system with a user interface that acts as an intermediary between the complex sensor network and the user. This intermediary processes position data from multiple sensors and presents simplified visual feedback (icons, color codes), thereby maintaining high measurement precision while hiding the underlying system complexity from the user.
Data Source
AI summary
A patient support system includes a scale system, an air system, and a lift system. The patient support system also includes a control system configured to graphically communicate information about the scale system, the air system, and the lift system to a user.