User module for a patient support apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional user modules for patient supports, such as hospital beds, are often cumbersome due to poor ergonomic design and positioning, making it difficult for caregivers and patients to access and operate controls, especially with graphic displays like touchscreen interfaces.
Innovation Solution
The patient support apparatus features siderails with user modules positioned at angled configurations, including touchscreen displays at 10-15 degrees from the vertical axis, and hardpanel controls at 0 degrees, allowing for improved visibility and single-handed operation, with pivotable and detachable designs to enhance usability and accessibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the user module is fixed in the siderail or provided as a pendant, then the module is securely attached to the patient support, but the module becomes cumbersome to use due to poor ergonomic positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The user module is made pivotable within the periphery of the siderail, allowing it to rotate between a first position (secured attachment) and a second position (ergonomic use). This dynamic positioning resolves the contradiction by enabling the module to transition from a fixed secure state to an adjustable ergonomic state during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The user module is separated from the siderail structure itself, allowing independent positioning and movement. The module can be detached from the siderail's fixed position while maintaining secure attachment through the pivotable connection, enabling ergonomic adjustment without compromising attachment reliability.
2Ease of manufacture
If the touchscreen display is positioned at a standard angle, then the display is easy to manufacture and install, but the controls become difficult to see and operate due to undesirable angles between the user and the module
Solution Approach 1:
The touchscreen display is integrated into a pivotable user module that can be rotated to optimal viewing angles. Instead of manufacturing displays at multiple fixed angles, the system uses a single standard manufacturing approach with a pivotable mounting that allows dynamic angle adjustment for optimal visibility and accessibility during use.
Solution Approach 2:
The display positioning problem is solved by adding a rotational dimension to the mounting system. The user module can pivot around an axis perpendicular to the display surface, allowing the display to be oriented at various angles relative to the user without requiring different manufacturing configurations.
3Reliability
If the user module requires two hands for operation (one to steady, one to operate), then the module can be securely held, but the operation becomes cumbersome and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The pivotable mounting allows the user module to be quickly positioned and stabilized with one hand, then operated with the other hand. The dynamic positioning mechanism enables rapid adjustment and secure holding without requiring two hands simultaneously, improving operational efficiency while maintaining stable holding during use.
Solution Approach 2:
The user module's pivotable design allows it to self-stabilize in the optimal position during use. Once positioned, the module maintains its position through the pivotable connection's inherent stability, requiring minimal active stabilization effort from the user during operation.
4Reliability
If the user module is attached using linkages, arms, wires, or cords, then the module can be connected to the patient support, but the user must bend down, reach across the body, or assume uncomfortable positions to access the module
Solution Approach 1:
The user module uses a pivotable connection within the siderail periphery that allows the module to be positioned at ergonomic heights and angles. This eliminates the need for linkages, arms, wires, or cords that require the user to bend down or reach across the body, while maintaining secure attachment through the pivotable mounting mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The problematic attachment elements (linkages, arms, wires, cords) are extracted from the design and replaced with a direct pivotable mounting system integrated into the siderail. This extraction eliminates the need for users to assume uncomfortable positions while maintaining reliable connection stability.
Data Source
AI summary
A user module for a patient support is provided. The user module is coupled to a patient support barrier, such as a siderail or a footboard.