RFID Nearfield Detection for Patient Table Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge in patient support apparatuses is the risk of remote control damage or improper table securing due to the remote control being inadvertently placed on the column head during table transfers, leading to potential injuries and operational failures.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing an RFID tag and RF reader for nearfield detection of the remote control, preventing upward movement of the support column when the remote control is within a predetermined distance, ensuring safe and secure transfers and operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the support column is designed to allow upward movement for table transfers, then the productivity of table transfer operation is improved, but the remote control may be inadvertently placed on the column head causing damage or improper table securing
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of the remote control's position using an RF reader and RFID tag before allowing the support column to move upward. If the remote control is detected within a predetermined distance of the column head, the system prevents upward movement in advance, avoiding potential damage or improper table securing while maintaining efficient table transfer operations when safe.
2Ease of operation
If the support column enables upward movement without restrictions, then the ease of operation for table transfers is improved, but the risk of remote control damage and operational failures increases
Solution Approach 1:
An RF reader and RFID tag system serves as an intermediary between the remote control and the support column movement mechanism. The RF reader detects the presence of the remote control via RFID tag, and the controller uses this information to mediate whether upward movement should be permitted, thereby preventing harmful effects while maintaining operational convenience.
3Reliability
If the system implements nearfield detection of the remote control, then the reliability of preventing remote control damage is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces potential mechanical detection methods with an RF/RFID-based detection system. The RF reader and RFID tag enable wireless, non-contact detection of the remote control's proximity to the column head, achieving reliable damage prevention while minimizing mechanical complexity and maintaining ease of operation.
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
Prevents remote control damage and ensures proper table securing by disabling upward movement when the remote control is detected close to the column head, enhancing safety and operational reliability during transfers and movement of patient support apparatuses.
Implementation Method 1
an RF reader positioned proximate the column head for receiving RF signals from an RFID tag on the remote control
Data Source
AI summary
A patient support apparatus is provided that includes: a removable table; a support structure comprising a support column having an adjustable height, the support column having a column head at an upper end thereof for receiving and supporting the removable table; an actuator for adjusting the height of the support column; a wireless receiver for receiving control signals from a remote control; an RF reader positioned proximate the column head for receiving RF signals from an RFID tag on the remote control; and a controller coupled to the actuator, and to the RF reader for controlling the actuator in response to control signals from the remote control. The controller is configured to detect whether the remote control is within a predetermined distance from the column head and to disable upward movement of the support column when the presence of the remote control is detected within the predetermined distance.