Siderail Accessory Charging With Integrated Bedside Power Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current person-support apparatuses, such as hospital beds, lack efficient charging systems for electronic devices brought by patients, necessitating a solution for convenient and reliable power and data signal transmission.
Innovation Solution
A charging system comprising a contact or wireless power communication device that engages with an accessory module to recharge its power source, which can be coupled to a person-support apparatus, and includes a kit with a front portion for communicating data and power signals to external devices or the apparatus.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a charging system is integrated into the person-support apparatus, then convenience and reliability of electronic device charging is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The charging system is nested within the person-support apparatus structure. The charging contacts are integrated into the siderail assembly, and the accessory module with its power source is nested within the same structural framework, allowing charging functionality to be embedded without adding external complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The siderail assembly serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, houses the charging system with contacts and power source, and accommodates the accessory module. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated charging components, thereby managing complexity while improving charging convenience
2Reliability
If contact-based charging is implemented, then power transmission reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to alignment requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The charging contacts are merged with the siderail assembly structure rather than being separate components. This integration ensures that when the accessory module is properly positioned on the siderail, the contacts automatically align and engage, reducing the operational burden of manual alignment while maintaining reliable electrical connection
3Ease of operation
If wireless power communication is implemented, then ease of operation is improved, but power transmission reliability may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless power communication system uses electromagnetic fields as an intermediary to transfer power between the person-support apparatus and the accessory module. This intermediary mechanism enables contactless power transmission, improving ease of operation while the system design ensures sufficient transmission reliability for the intended application
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 and reliable recharging of electronic devices integrated with person-support apparatuses, facilitating power and data signal transmission, thereby addressing the need for improved charging solutions in healthcare settings.
Implementation Method 1
a contact (76) thereon configured to engage a corresponding contact on an accessory module configured to be coupled to a person-support apparatus to recharge a power source in the accessory module
Implementation Method 2
a wireless power communication device configured to communicate power to an accessory module configured to be coupled to a person-support apparatus to recharge a power source in the accessory module
Data Source
AI summary
A charging system comprises an accessory module and a charging system. The accessory module includes a housing with a coupling portion and a power source. The coupling portion includes an engagement surface and a coupler configured to removably couple the accessory module to a person-support apparatus. The power source is positioned within the housing and includes a recharging assembly. The charging station includes a docking portion configured to receive the accessory module and a charging assembly configured to communicate power to the recharging assembly.