Swappable Battery Management for Continuous Patient Support Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional patient support apparatuses, such as hospital beds and stretchers, face challenges with energy consumption due to the need for frequent battery replacements or manual charging, which distracts caregivers and reduces the availability of the apparatus for patient use.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of high-density energy storage devices (ESDs) with swappable and autonomous swapping systems, allowing seamless energy management through robotic or mobile units that facilitate easy replacement and charging without the need for manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional primary (non-rechargeable) batteries are used, then the apparatus can operate without manual charging, but frequent battery replacement is required which distracts caregivers
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-charges multiple batteries in advance so that fully charged batteries are ready for immediate replacement. This preliminary charging action eliminates the need for caregivers to wait during battery replacement, as backup batteries are already prepared and can be quickly swapped in.
Solution Approach 2:
The battery management system operates autonomously to monitor charge levels, manage battery replacement schedules, and coordinate with caregivers. This self-service approach minimizes manual intervention and distraction for caregivers while ensuring batteries are replaced proactively before depletion occurs.
2Loss of time
If rechargeable batteries are used, then battery replacement frequency is reduced, but manual plugging of power cords for charging is required which consumes caregiver time
Solution Approach 1:
The battery management system autonomously monitors charge levels, determines when charging is needed, and executes charging operations without caregiver intervention. The system self-manages the entire charging process including connecting to power sources and monitoring charge status, freeing caregivers from manual charging tasks.
Solution Approach 2:
The system proactively charges batteries during periods when the apparatus is not in use or when power is available, preparing charged batteries in advance before they are needed. This preliminary charging action ensures batteries are ready for use without requiring caregivers to manually initiate charging at the moment of need.
3Use of energy by moving object
If power cords are used for charging, then batteries can be recharged, but the apparatus is unavailable for use when plugged in to charge
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the battery power supply into multiple independent battery units that can be managed separately. This segmentation allows one battery to be charged while another remains available for immediate use, eliminating the need to choose between charging and operational availability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-charges backup batteries in advance during non-critical periods so that when a battery needs replacement, a fully charged backup is immediately available. This preliminary preparation ensures continuous apparatus availability without interruption for charging operations.
4Weight of moving object
If conventional low-density rechargeable batteries are used, then the apparatus can operate with reduced weight, but they require high maintenance and frequent charging
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the battery power supply into multiple modular units that can be independently managed and replaced. This segmentation allows the use of lighter individual battery cells while distributing the total energy capacity across multiple units, reducing the maintenance burden on each individual battery while maintaining overall system capability.
Data Source
AI summary
A system is provided that comprises a patient support apparatus and a unit being independent from the patient support apparatus. The patient support apparatus comprises a support structure having a base and a patient support surface for a patient. The patient support apparatus also comprises an electrical distribution system, one or more electrical devices, and an energy storage device (ESD) configured to store energy to power the one or more electrical devices through the electrical distribution system. The unit is configured to autonomously interact with the patient support apparatus to remove the ESD from the patient support apparatus and/or to place a replacement ESD on to the patient support apparatus.