Patient Support Wireless Charging Housing for Hygienic Device Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

Patient support systems lack integrated solutions for conveniently charging electronic devices, which are essential for caregivers and patients, often requiring cumbersome cables that complicate cleaning and hygiene in healthcare settings.

Innovation Solution

A patient support apparatus with a frame and user interface support assembly that includes a housing with a support mechanism and a wireless charging assembly, allowing electronic devices to be securely positioned and charged without cables, using inductive or capacitive coupling for efficient power transfer.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If cable-based charging is used for electronic devices on patient support systems, then power transfer is reliable and efficient, but cleaning and hygiene are compromised due to cumbersome cables complicating the cleaning process

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower transfer reliabilityVSAvoidcleaning ease

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the charging cable from the patient support system by implementing a wireless charging assembly that eliminates the need for physical cable connections. The wireless charging assembly includes a charging coil that transfers power inductively to electronic devices, removing the cable component that complicates cleaning while maintaining reliable power transfer.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical cable connection system with an electromagnetic field-based wireless charging system. The charging assembly uses inductive coupling between a charging coil in the housing and a receiving coil in the electronic device, substituting mechanical plug-and-play connectivity with contactless electromagnetic energy transfer.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Use of energy by moving object

If cable-based charging is used for electronic devices on patient support systems, then power transfer is efficient, but hygiene is compromised due to surfaces that need frequent cleaning

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower transfer efficiencyVSAvoidhygiene contamination

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the cable interface from the patient support system, eliminating the physical contact point that serves as a potential contamination vector. The wireless charging assembly maintains efficient power transfer through electromagnetic fields without requiring cable connections that would need frequent cleaning and disinfection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an electromagnetic field as an intermediary medium for power transfer between the patient support system and electronic devices. The charging coil generates an alternating magnetic field that induces current in the device's receiving coil, enabling efficient energy transfer without direct physical contact and thereby reducing hygiene concerns.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If cable-based charging is used, then power connection is stable, but device access and positioning become cumbersome

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection stabilityVSAvoiddevice access ease

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical cable connection system with wireless inductive charging. The charging assembly uses electromagnetic coupling between a charging coil in the housing and a receiving coil in the electronic device, eliminating the need for plugging and unplugging cables while maintaining stable power transfer through the electromagnetic field.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the cable connection requirement from the charging process, allowing electronic devices to be placed freely on the housing without needing to connect physical cables. The wireless charging assembly maintains reliable power transfer through contactless electromagnetic coupling, improving device accessibility and positioning flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 convenient, cable-free charging of electronic devices on patient support systems, enhancing hygiene by minimizing surfaces that need cleaning and allowing for easy access and positioning of devices, while maintaining a sterile environment.

Implementation Method 1

using inductive or capacitive coupling for efficient power transfer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInductive coupling: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

using inductive or capacitive coupling for efficient power transfer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapacitive coupling: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentUS20230369871A1Patient support with electronic device wireless charging

Publication Date: 2023.11.16 HILL ROM SERVICES INC

AI summary

A patient support apparatus includes a frame with a head end and a foot end. A support arm is operably coupled to the head end of the frame and a vertical support is operably coupled to the support arm. A user interface support assembly is operably coupled to the vertical support and includes a housing that is configured to retain an electronic device. The housing includes a support mechanism that is configured to selectively support the electronic device on the housing. A charging assembly is disposed within the housing and is configured to charge the electronic device secured on the housing.