Wireless Power Alignment for Patient Support Equipment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional patient support apparatuses face challenges in efficiently aligning wireless power transfer systems due to their large and unwieldy nature, making it difficult for caregivers to connect them to a power source without visual line-of-sight, which can hinder efficient power transfer.

Innovation Solution

A power transfer system with a patient support apparatus and power transfer device that includes a power transmitter and receiver assembly, where actuators move the transmitter and receiver to align them efficiently, and a control system to facilitate automatic alignment and power transfer, potentially using robotic arms or mobile rovers for convenient power delivery.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If wireless power transfer is used to simplify connecting to a power source, then ease of operation is improved, but alignment difficulty worsens due to the large size of patient support apparatus making it hard to align transmitter and receiver without visual line-of-sight

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of power connectionVSAvoidalignment difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates feedback mechanisms including visual indicators (LED lights) that show alignment status, and sensors that detect the relative position between transmitter and receiver. The control system receives feedback about alignment quality and automatically adjusts the position of the transmitter or receiver to optimize power transfer, eliminating the need for manual visual alignment by caregivers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The alignment system operates autonomously without requiring caregiver intervention. The control system automatically positions the transmitter and receiver for optimal alignment using motors or actuators, and the system self-adjusts during the power transfer process to maintain efficient coupling between the wireless power components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Measurement precision

If manual alignment of wireless power components is required, then alignment precision can be achieved, but loss of time increases due to caregiver distraction and manual adjustment requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvealignment precisionVSAvoidtime for power connection

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary alignment actions automatically before power transfer begins. The control system pre-positions the transmitter and receiver using actuators or motors, and pre-establishes optimal coupling conditions. This preliminary automatic alignment eliminates the need for time-consuming manual adjustment during the power connection process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces manual mechanical alignment operations with automated control mechanisms. Motors, actuators, or robotic positioning systems substitute for caregiver manual adjustment, and control algorithms replace visual estimation and manual fine-tuning. This mechanical substitution dramatically reduces the time required for alignment while maintaining or improving alignment precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Device complexity

If wireless power transfer is implemented without automated alignment, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity decreases due to caregiver distraction and inefficient power transfer

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem complexityVSAvoidpower transfer efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The control system performs multiple functions: it monitors alignment, actuates positioning mechanisms, optimizes power transfer parameters, and provides user feedback. By consolidating these functions into a single integrated control system, the patent avoids the need for separate complex subsystems, thereby maintaining relatively simple device architecture while achieving high productivity through automated multi-functional control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Enables efficient and convenient power transfer to patient support apparatuses, reducing the need for manual alignment and minimizing distractions for caregivers, ensuring reliable energy supply even in challenging environments.

Implementation Method 1

a power transmitter and receiver assembly for transferring power to the patient support apparatus

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectWireless power transfer: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS20240348108A1Power Transfer System With Patient Support Apparatus And Power Transfer Device To Transfer Power To The Patient Support Apparatus

Publication Date: 2024.10.17 STRYKER CORP

AI summary

A power transfer system comprises a patient support apparatus and a power transfer device. The power transfer system provides convenience and ease of connection between a power source and the patient support apparatus to provide power to one or more electrically powered devices on the patient support apparatus or to provide energy for an energy storage device on the patient support apparatus.