Universal Foot Pedal Input for Patient Support Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional patient support systems require caregivers to continuously actuate user input devices, such as buttons, to operate powered devices, limiting the caregiver's ability to perform other tasks and assist patients effectively.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a universal input device that can be actuated without continuous hand occupation, allowing caregivers to assign functionality to the device based on initial actuation of a user input device, enabling continued operation of powered devices without constant manual input.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional user input devices (buttons) are used to operate powered devices, then the powered devices can be controlled to perform functions, but the caregiver's hand is occupied and unable to provide assistance to the patient
Solution Approach 1:
The foot pedal is designed as a universal input device that can control multiple different powered devices and functions within the patient support system. By pressing the same foot pedal, caregivers can operate lift devices, positioning devices, or other powered components, eliminating the need to use hands for button operation while maintaining full control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces manual button-pressing (hand-based mechanical input) with foot-based mechanical input. This substitution allows caregivers to operate the system using their feet instead of hands, freeing their hands to physically assist patients while maintaining the same level of device control.
2Reliability
If caregivers continuously actuate user input devices to maintain operation of powered devices, then the powered devices remain operational, but the caregiver cannot perform other tasks
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of requiring continuous button pressing, the system uses periodic foot pedal actuation. The caregiver presses the foot pedal at intervals or as needed to initiate or maintain device operation, and the system sustains the function between presses. This transforms continuous manual input into discrete periodic actions.
Solution Approach 2:
The powered devices are designed to maintain their operational state automatically once activated, without requiring continuous manual input. The system self-regulates and sustains functions such as patient positioning or lifting without needing the caregiver to continuously press buttons, allowing the caregiver to attend to other tasks.
3Measurement precision
If hand-based control is used for patient support functions, then precise control is achieved, but the caregiver's mobility and ability to move around the patient is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The control interface is moved from the horizontal plane (hand buttons on control panels) to the vertical dimension (foot pedal on the floor). This dimensional change allows caregivers to operate devices while standing or moving, as foot control does not require the caregiver to remain stationary at a control panel, thereby enhancing mobility while maintaining control capability.
Data Source
AI summary
A patient support system comprises a patient support apparatus for patients. The patient support apparatus comprises a base and a patient support surface supported by the base. The patient support apparatus also comprises powered devices that perform one or more predetermined functions on the patient support apparatus. Multiple input devices are employed to control the powered devices. The input devices are designed to enable caregivers to cause operation of the powered devices, as needed, while freeing the caregivers to perform other tasks.