Wireless Patient Bed Configuration via Antenna
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hospital beds require complex and labor-intensive configuration to communicate with different nurse call systems and room control systems, varying by manufacturer and facility, which complicates setup and maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A patient support apparatus that can be automatically configured using a portable electronic device, such as a smartphone, while still in packaging, via an antenna and communication circuitry, allowing configuration settings to be transferred wirelessly without the need for electrical power, and featuring a break-away electrical conductor for easy packaging disposal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual configuration methods are used for patient support apparatuses, then configuration settings can be applied, but the process requires significant labor and time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring patient support apparatuses during manufacturing with generic or default settings. This allows the devices to be shipped in a ready-to-use state, and then quickly reconfigured at the destination using automated methods rather than requiring manual setup from scratch, thereby reducing on-site configuration time and labor.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical configuration processes with automated electronic configuration systems. Instead of physically adjusting components or manually inputting settings, the system uses automated detection, wireless communication, and software-based configuration methods to automatically apply appropriate settings, eliminating the need for skilled technicians to perform time-consuming manual configuration tasks.
2Adaptability or versatility
If patient support apparatuses are configured for specific facilities, then communication with local systems is enabled, but reconfiguration for different facilities is complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the configuration of patient support apparatuses changeable and adaptable rather than fixed. The system allows configuration settings to be dynamically modified through automated methods, enabling the same device to be quickly reconfigured for different healthcare facilities with varying system requirements, thereby improving versatility without increasing operational complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent achieves universality by designing patient support apparatuses with standardized communication interfaces and configuration protocols that can work across multiple different healthcare facility systems. This universal design allows a single device model to be deployed in various facilities without requiring facility-specific hardware modifications, and configuration can be automatically adjusted through software to match different system requirements.
3Ease of operation
If configuration settings are transferred while the apparatus is in packaging, then electrical power connection is avoided, but wireless power transfer is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical connection method (physical cable connection to electrical outlet) with a wireless energy transfer method. By using inductive coupling or other wireless power transfer technologies, the system can charge the device and transfer configuration settings without requiring the device to be removed from its packaging or connected to external power sources through physical connectors, thereby simplifying the configuration process.
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
This solution simplifies the configuration process, reducing labor and enabling easy reconfiguration, while ensuring secure and authorized changes to the apparatus's settings, facilitating efficient communication with diverse healthcare facility systems.
Implementation Method 1
an antenna and communication circuitry, allowing configuration settings to be transferred wirelessly
Implementation Method 2
featuring a break-away electrical conductor for easy packaging disposal
Data Source
AI summary
A patient support apparatus includes a frame, a support surface, an antenna adapted to be affixed to packaging of the patient support apparatus, and a control system for controlling various functions of the patient support apparatus. The control system includes communication circuitry that receives one or more configuration settings for configuring the patient support apparatus from an off-board device via the antenna. The communication circuitry receives and stores the configuration settings while the patient support apparatus is contained within the packaging and not physically coupled to an external source of electrical power. Configuration circuitry thereafter configures the patient support apparatus when the patient support apparatus is coupled to an external source of power or is supplied with power from a battery.