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What This Guide Helps With
This guide addresses situations where the Stryker InTouch bed’s motor actuators fail to operate. Symptoms may include:
- Bed fails to adjust height, tilt, or Trendelenburg/Reverse Trendelenburg positions
- Audible motor noise without movement
- Bed moves inconsistently or only partially
- Alarms or error codes indicating actuator failure
Focus is on external checks and verification before considering internal repair.
Step-by-Step Troubleshooting
Verify Bed Power
- Ensure the bed is plugged into a working outlet.
- Check the power cord for damage.
- Verify battery backup (if equipped) is charged.
Why: Actuators require full voltage; low or absent power can mimic motor failure.
Check Control Panel Functionality
- Confirm buttons and touch inputs are responsive.
- Cycle through all bed functions.
Why: If the panel does not send commands, actuators will not move regardless of their condition.
Inspect Bed Lock and Brake Sensors
- Ensure brakes are properly engaged/disengaged.
- Check indicator lights on brake sensors.
Why: Some actuators will not operate if the bed is “locked” or if sensors detect unsafe conditions.
Listen for Motor Noise
- Attempt to move the bed in a single function (e.g., raise head section).
- Listen for humming, clicking, or grinding from actuators.
Why: No noise may indicate loss of power to actuator; unusual noise may indicate mechanical obstruction.
Check Cables and Connections to Actuators
- Inspect actuator connectors for loose or disconnected wires.
- Look for pinched or damaged cables along the bed frame.
Why: Loose or damaged wiring is a common cause of actuator failure.
Swap or Test Actuator (if spare available)
- If possible, swap the suspected actuator with a known good one.
- Test function via the control panel.
Why: Confirms whether the actuator itself is faulty or the issue lies elsewhere.
If the Problem Persists
If external power, panel function, brakes, and wiring have been verified, the actuator is likely internally failed.
- Remove bed from service.
- Label as Out of Service.
- Send actuator or bed to Stryker service or qualified bench evaluation.
Knowing when to escalate prevents further patient risk or damage.
Clinical Use Tip
- Do not attempt actuator troubleshooting with a patient in bed.
- Move the patient to another operational bed before troubleshooting.
- Avoid manual lifting if the bed section is stuck in a hazardous position.
Work Order Documentation (CCR Method)
CCR = Complaint, Cause, Resolution
Complaint
What was reported by the clinical staff.
Example:
Bed will not adjust positions; motor sounds but no movement.
Cause
What was observed during troubleshooting.
Example:
Actuator did not respond to control panel commands; external power and connections verified.
Resolution
What action was taken.
Example:
Bed removed from service; actuator labeled and sent for bench evaluation.
Helpful Details to Include
- Outlet tested: Yes
- Battery backup checked: Yes
- Brake pedal/sensors inspected: Yes
- Actuator connectors verified: Yes
- Audible motor noise noted: humming but no motion
- Bed position at time of removal: Trendelenburg section stuck
Final Thought
Patient safety and methodical, logical troubleshooting are paramount. External checks eliminate simple causes, while knowing when to escalate prevents risk and equipment damage. Document all observations clearly for service or repair follow-up.
That is successful troubleshooting.