Patient Support Vital Sign Monitoring With Quiet Visual Alerts

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for a system capable of monitoring patient vital signs without adding to the number of devices in the patient's vicinity and providing caregivers with information without disturbing the patient.

Innovation Solution

A patient support apparatus equipped with sensors that detect vital signs, a controller to compare these signs to pre-established limits, and a notification system that provides alerts to caregivers, including visual indications on surfaces spaced apart from the apparatus.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple separate devices are used to monitor patient vital signs, then monitoring capability is improved, but device complexity and space occupation increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevital signs monitoring capabilityVSAvoidnumber of devices

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates multiple vital signs monitoring functions (heart rate, respiration rate, oxygen saturation, temperature) into a single patient support apparatus with unified sensors and control system, eliminating the need for multiple separate monitoring devices while maintaining comprehensive monitoring capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patient support apparatus is designed to perform multiple functions including patient positioning, vital signs monitoring, and integrated alerting through a single system, allowing one device to replace multiple specialized devices and reduce overall system complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If traditional alarm systems are used to notify caregivers, then alerting capability is improved, but patient disturbance increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecaregiver alerting capabilityVSAvoidpatient disturbance

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical alarm systems (bells, horns) with electronic visual alerting systems using LED indicators and digital displays that can notify caregivers of abnormal vital signs without producing audible disturbances that would wake or disturb the patient

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system introduces an electronic notification intermediary that translates vital signs data into visual alerts for caregivers, allowing information transmission without direct mechanical or audible interaction with the patient environment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Measurement precision

If sensors are placed close to the patient for monitoring, then measurement precision is improved, but patient comfort and space constraints are worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevital signs detection accuracyVSAvoidspace in patient vicinity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent nests the sensors and monitoring components within the structure of the patient support apparatus itself (mattress, headboard, frame), utilizing existing spaces and structures to house monitoring equipment without occupying additional space around the patient

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentUS12465295B2Patient support apparatus having vital signs monitoring and alerting

Publication Date: 2025.11.11 HILL ROM SERVICES INC

AI summary

A patient support apparatus includes a sensor capable of detecting vital signs, setting acceptable limits for the vital signs, and includes structures for monitoring the vital signs and providing local and/or remote indications to caregivers if the vital signs fall outside of acceptable limits.