Patient Weight Measurement With Assistive Device Subtraction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for determining the weight of patients reliant on assistive devices, such as wheelchairs or prostheses, are prone to error and inefficiency due to variations in the weight of the assistive devices and require manual intervention, leading to inaccurate and time-consuming weight measurements.

Innovation Solution

A computer-implemented method involving capturing a unique patient ID, weighing the patient with an assistive device to get an initial weight, weighing the device separately, and subtracting the device's weight to determine the patient's weight, with plausibility checks to ensure accurate and complete weight information.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the patient is weighed with the assistive device and a constant device weight is subtracted, then the patient weight can be determined, but the measurement accuracy deteriorates due to weight variations in the assistive device

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveweight determination processVSAvoidpatient weight measurement

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by capturing the weight of the assistive device separately before weighing the patient with the device. This allows the system to use the actual measured device weight (including contents like pockets) for subtraction, rather than relying on constant manufacturer specifications, thereby improving measurement accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the parameter approach from using a constant device weight value to using a dynamically measured device weight value. By capturing the actual weight of the assistive device at the time of measurement and using this variable value for calculation, the system adapts to weight variations in the device and its contents

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If manual weighing assistance is provided by staff or relatives, then patients with assistive devices can be weighed, but the productivity deteriorates due to staff shortages and time consumption

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveweight measurement capabilityVSAvoidweighing process efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables self-service by allowing the assistive device itself to provide the necessary weight information through separate measurement. The device's weight is captured automatically, and the system performs the subtraction calculation autonomously, eliminating the need for manual intervention by staff or relatives

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces the mechanical/manual weighing assistance process with an automated electronic measurement and calculation system. The scale automatically captures weights, the computer unit performs calculations, and the system manages the entire process without human intervention, significantly improving productivity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Productivity

If the assistive device weight is not precisely known, then weighing can be performed quickly, but the measurement precision deteriorates leading to erroneous weight determinations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveweighing speedVSAvoidpatient weight accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary measurement of the assistive device weight separately before the patient weighing process. This captured device weight value is then used in the patient weight calculation, ensuring precise and accurate results while maintaining efficient workflow

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system merges the device weight measurement and patient weight measurement into a coordinated process. By capturing both weights and performing the subtraction calculation together, the system ensures accuracy while maintaining productivity, resolving the trade-off between speed and precision

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP4407632B1Method for determining a patient weight of a patient in need of an adjuvant and system

Publication Date: 2025.12.31 MEDVISION AG

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for determining the weight of a patient dependent on an assistive device, comprising the following steps: Identifying a unique patient ID, preferably by reading a patient card; Identifying a first weight by weighing the patient equipped with an assistive device, preferably a wheelchair, walking aid, or prosthesis, such that the first weight corresponds to the sum of the patient's weight and the weight of the assistive device; Creating weight information linked to the patient's unique ID and assigning the first weight to this weight information; Identifying a second weight by weighing the assistive device and assigning the second weight to this weight information; Determining the patient's weight by subtracting the second weight from the first weight and preferably assigning the patient's weight to this weight information and/or the unique ID.The invention further relates to a corresponding system.