Wireless Power Transfer in Patient Supports to Eliminate Cables

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing patient support apparatuses face challenges with weight, bulk, and complexity in powering and communicating electrical components, as well as inefficiencies in connecting to power sources and managing electrical components.

Innovation Solution

The integration of inductive power transfer and wireless communication systems within patient support apparatuses, allowing for seamless power delivery and data exchange between components without physical connections, reducing weight and bulk while enhancing ease of use and cleaning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If wired connections are used to deliver electrical power and communicate between components, then reliable power supply and data transmission are achieved, but the weight and bulk of the apparatus increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower supply reliabilityVSAvoidapparatus weight

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical wired connections with wireless electromagnetic fields for both power transfer (inductive coupling) and data communication. This substitution eliminates the physical weight of cables and connectors while maintaining reliable power supply and communication functions through electromagnetic induction and wireless signal transmission.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The wireless communication system serves dual purposes: it transmits both electrical power (via inductive coupling) and data signals between components. This multi-functionality allows a single wireless interface to replace separate wired connections for power and communication, reducing overall system weight and bulk.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If wired connections are used to deliver electrical power and communicate between components, then stable electrical connection is maintained, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical connection stabilityVSAvoidconnection management complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical connection management (plugging, unplugging, aligning connectors) with wireless electromagnetic coupling. The inductive power transfer and wireless communication establish stable electrical connections through electromagnetic fields without requiring physical connector alignment or insertion, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining connection stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If wired connections are present on the patient support apparatus, then power and data transmission are reliable, but cleaning efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower transmission reliabilityVSAvoidcleaning efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces wired connections with wireless electromagnetic interfaces, eliminating cables and connectors that create crevices and hard-to-reach areas. This allows the patient support apparatus surfaces to be smoother and more continuous, enabling easier and more efficient cleaning while maintaining reliable power and data transmission through wireless means.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Ease of operation

If batteries are used to power electrical components, then portability is improved, but the bulk and weight of components increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveportabilityVSAvoidcomponent bulk

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces battery-based local power storage with wireless inductive power transfer from external sources. This eliminates the need for large, heavy batteries within the apparatus components, reducing bulk and weight while maintaining portability. The wireless power transfer system provides power on-demand without requiring onboard energy storage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 enables efficient, lightweight, and user-friendly operation of patient support apparatuses by eliminating the need for wired connections, improving cleaning efficiency, and simplifying power management.

Implementation Method 1

The on-board inductive coil receives electrical power from an off-board inductive coil when the on-board and off-board inductive coils are positioned within inductive proximity to each other

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInductive coupling: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

The controller controls electrical current that flows through the inductive coil so as to inductively transfer electrical power from the inductive coil to a mattress positioned on the deck

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInductive power transfer: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS20250332046A1Patient support with energy transfer

Publication Date: 2025.10.30 STRYKER CORP

AI summary

A patient support system includes a patient support apparatus and a powered device mounted relative to the patient support apparatus and an electrical circuit to power the powered device, with the electrical circuit having a wireless power receiver to inductively couple to and transfer electrical energy from a wireless power transmitter when the wireless power receiver is in proximity to the wireless power transmitter.