Siderail Power Interface for Patient Device Charging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing person-support apparatuses, such as hospital beds, lack efficient power charging solutions for electronic devices brought by patients, necessitating further development in this area.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a power communication device within the siderail of a person-support apparatus, enabling both wired and wireless power transmission to connected devices, with a connector positioned along the siderail grip or lower side surface, facilitating charging of electronic devices like music and video players, mobile phones, and other personal electronic devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a power communication device is integrated into the siderail, then power charging functionality is provided for electronic devices, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the power communication device with the existing siderail structure, integrating charging functionality into the siderail grip portion. This merging approach allows the siderail to serve dual purposes: providing patient support and delivering power to electronic devices, thereby improving versatility without requiring a completely separate system
Solution Approach 2:
The siderail is designed to perform multiple functions: it maintains its traditional role in patient support while simultaneously incorporating a power communication device that can charge various electronic devices. This multi-functionality is achieved through the integrated connector and wireless power transmission capabilities within the siderail structure
2Adaptability or versatility
If a connector is positioned along the siderail grip or lower side surface, then wired power communication is enabled, but the ease of operation may be affected by connector placement
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is strategically positioned along the siderail grip or lower side surface, placing the power communication interface in a location that is both structurally integrated and accessible to users. This localized placement ensures that the connector is positioned where it can easily interface with electronic devices while maintaining the structural integrity of the siderail
3Ease of operation
If wireless power transmission is implemented, then convenience is improved for electronic device charging, but energy loss increases during transmission
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs wireless power transmission technology to replace traditional wired mechanical connections for power delivery. This substitution enables convenient charging of electronic devices without physical cable connections, improving ease of operation while managing energy transmission through electromagnetic fields
Data Source
AI summary
A siderail assembly for a person support apparatus comprises a siderail body, a grip portion, and a power communication device. The siderail body includes a front surface, a back surface, and a side surface extending between the front surface and the back surface. The side surface defines a perimeter of the siderail body. The grip portion includes a siderail opening through a portion of the siderail body. The grip opening has an upper grip opening portion that cooperates with the side surface to define a grip. The power communication device is configured to communicate power wirelessly to a device in communication therewith.