Patient Support Apparatus Weight Logging via Force Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional patient support apparatuses face difficulties in accurately distinguishing between patient weight and non-patient weight, such as medical equipment, due to complex user interfaces and the need for frequent weight monitoring, which burdens operators.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a patient support apparatus equipped with a plurality of force sensors and a touchscreen interface that allows users to take accurate weight readings and log equipment or non-patient weights, featuring a scale equipment screen and home screen to differentiate between patient and non-patient weights, providing warnings for potential errors in weight readings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a conventional scale system is used to monitor patient weight, then weight monitoring is achieved, but the user interface becomes complex and difficult to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The user interface is segmented into multiple specialized screens: a scale home screen for weight monitoring and an equipment screen for tracking non-patient weight. This segmentation allows each screen to have a simplified, focused function rather than attempting to handle all operations in one complex interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller acts as an intermediary that automatically processes force sensor data and determines whether weight changes are due to patient or equipment. This intermediary function eliminates the need for manual differentiation by operators, simplifying the user interface while maintaining measurement precision.
2Reliability
If frequent weight monitoring is performed to track patient weight changes, then patient care is improved, but operator burden increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically detecting weight changes through force sensors and determining whether they result from patient or equipment weight. This automation eliminates the need for operators to manually assess each weight change, reducing operator burden while enabling frequent monitoring for improved patient care.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides immediate feedback through the touchscreen interface when weight changes are detected, automatically indicating whether the change is attributed to patient or equipment. This feedback mechanism streamlines the monitoring process, allowing frequent checks without increasing operator burden.
3Measurement precision
If manual differentiation between patient and equipment weight is required, then weight measurement is obtained, but reliability of weight distinction deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The controller serves as an intelligent intermediary that automatically analyzes force sensor data and determines the source of weight changes. This intermediary function reliably distinguishes between patient and equipment weight without requiring manual judgment, thereby improving the reliability of weight distinction while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical process of differentiating patient vs. equipment weight is replaced with an electronic system using force sensors and controller logic. This substitution eliminates human error in weight distinction while preserving accurate weight measurement capability.
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
This solution simplifies the process of weight monitoring by accurately distinguishing between patient and non-patient weights, reducing operator burden and ensuring precise weight tracking, thereby enhancing patient care.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of force sensors adapted to output signals corresponding to downward forces exerted on the support deck
Data Source
AI summary
A patient support apparatus, such as a bed, cot, stretcher, or the like, includes a litter frame, a support deck, a plurality of force sensors adapted to output signals corresponding to downward forces exerted on the support deck, and a controller configured carrying out various functions and to display various screens on a touchscreen or display, including a scale home screen and a scale equipment screen. A patient's current weight can be displayed on the scale home screen and the weight of equipment supported on the apparatus can be displayed on the scale home screen and the scale equipment screen. When a patient's current weight is characterized as possibly including non-patient weight, the controller can display a warning screen.