Autonomous Patient Lifting and Care System
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
A next-generation patient lifting robot system that leverages advanced AI, sensors, and autonomous navigation to revolutionize patient care and safety in healthcare environments.
Background and Problem Solved
The original patient lifting robot, while innovative, had limitations in terms of adaptability, safety, and user experience. The new inventive concept addresses these limitations by introducing a self-reconfiguring frame, advanced AI-powered sensors, and autonomous navigation capabilities to ensure safe and efficient patient lifting and transfer.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The new patient lifting robot system features a modular, self-reconfiguring frame that adapts to various patient sizes and weights. Advanced AI-powered sensors predict and prevent potential lifting accidents, while real-time biometric monitoring and AI-powered analytics detect early signs of patient distress. The system also includes augmented reality (AR) visualization for caregivers, providing real-time, 3D visual feedback on patient lifting and transfer procedures. Furthermore, the robot features autonomous navigation capabilities, enabling it to independently navigate complex healthcare environments and locate patients in need of assistance. Interchangeable, specialized lifting modules cater to specific patient populations, such as bariatric or pediatric patients.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new claims introduce a paradigm shift in patient lifting technology by integrating advanced AI, sensors, and autonomous navigation. The self-reconfiguring frame, AI-powered sensors, and AR visualization are novel features that significantly improve patient safety and caregiver experience. The autonomous navigation capability and modular design also represent a substantial inventive step compared to the original patent.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments could include varying the type of AI-powered sensors, using different materials for the self-reconfiguring frame, or incorporating additional features such as voice assistance or environmental sensors. Variations could also include adapting the system for use in non-healthcare environments, such as in-home care or rehabilitation centers.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The Autonomous Patient Lifting and Care System has significant commercial potential in the healthcare industry, particularly in hospitals, nursing homes, and rehabilitation centers. The system's advanced features and improved safety profile could also lead to increased adoption in non-healthcare environments, such as in-home care and assisted living facilities.
CPC Classifications
| Section | Class | Group |
|---|---|---|
| A | A61 | A61G7/1019 |
| A | A61 | A61G7/053 |
| A | A61 | A61G7/1048 |
| A | A61 | A61G7/1061 |
| B | B25 | B25J5/007 |
| B | B25 | B25J11/009 |
| B | B25 | B25J18/025 |
| A | A61 | A61G2203/32 |
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Medical robotics and assistive technology, specifically patient lifting and transfer systems, involving mechanical engineering, sensor technologies, and healthcare automation
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A skilled engineer with expertise in medical robotics, mechanical design, sensor integration, and human-machine interfaces, typically holding a master's or PhD in mechanical/biomedical engineering with 3-5 years of experience in assistive technology development
Obviousness Rationale
A PHOSITA would recognize that the PTD's advanced features represent predictable technological extensions of the source patent's foundational patient lifting robot design. The integration of AI, autonomous navigation, and modular sensing represents incremental improvements using well-established techniques in robotics and medical technology. The core mechanical lifting functionality remains fundamentally consistent with the original patent's framework, with added intelligent sensing and adaptive capabilities.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,478 |
|---|---|
| Title | Patient lifting robot |
| Assignee(s) | Blue Ocean Robotics, ApS |