Wireless Pressure Pad Monitoring for Patient Absence Alerts
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a system and method to monitor patient location and presence in a hospital setting, particularly to detect falls or extended absence from a bed or chair, and to alert medical personnel of potential issues such as cognitive or memory problems.
Innovation Solution
A pressure-sensitive pad system with internal electrical contacts and a wireless transceiver that broadcasts patient presence or absence signals, connected to a wireless control unit that triggers alarms or lighting when the patient leaves the pad, sealed to prevent fluid ingress and using low-power communication protocols.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a wireless patient monitoring system is implemented, then patient presence detection capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring system is divided into separate functional modules: pressure-sensitive pads for detection, wireless transceivers for communication, and control units for processing. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while maintaining overall system functionality, reducing the complexity burden on any single element.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure-sensitive pad integrates multiple functions into a single component: it serves as both the pressure detection element and the mounting surface for the wireless transceiver. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of separate components needed, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining detection capability.
2Reliability
If the pressure sensitive pad is sealed to prevent fluid ingress, then reliability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure-sensitive pad utilizes a flexible waterproof membrane or coating that seals the internal electronics while maintaining pressure sensitivity. This thin-film approach provides reliable fluid protection without requiring complex multi-layer sealing structures, thereby improving reliability while keeping manufacturing relatively simple.
3Ease of operation
If wireless communication is used for patient monitoring, then ease of operation is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless transceiver operates in periodic transmission cycles rather than continuous transmission. The system periodically checks for patient presence and transmits data only when changes are detected or at scheduled intervals. This periodic operation maintains wireless communication functionality while significantly reducing average power consumption compared to continuous transmission.
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
Effectively monitors patient presence and absence, triggering alarms or lighting to alert caregivers, while being resistant to bodily fluids and minimizing power consumption.
Implementation Method 1
at least one pressure sensitive pad comprising at least one internal electrical contact indicating presence of a patient on the pad when the electrical contact is closed
Data Source
AI summary
A pressure sensitive pad has at least one internal electrical contact indicating presence of a patient on the pad when the electrical contact is closed. An internal control circuit electrically connected to the at least one contact to detect closure of the contact and an internal wireless transceiver is used by the control circuit to broadcast a signal indicating presence and absence of the patient. A wireless control unit may receive the signal and generate alarms in response thereto.