Adjustable Armrest Assembly for Wheelchair Access in Clinical Procedures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing armrests on examination platforms are not adjustable, making them inconvenient for medical procedures such as data collection and sample collection, and can obstruct lateral access for patients in wheelchairs.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable armrest assembly with a proximal and distal adjustment mechanism allowing movement about multiple axes, including a breakaway feature to prevent damage from excessive weight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the armrest is placed in a conventional fixed position, then it provides standard support function, but it blocks lateral access for wheelchair patients and hinders medical procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The armrest is designed with dynamic positioning capabilities, allowing it to move between a first position (blocking lateral access) and a second position (clearing lateral access). The swing assembly enables the armrest to swing laterally, and the height adjustment mechanism allows vertical movement, transforming a static structure into a dynamic one that adapts to different patient needs and procedural requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The armrest system is segmented into multiple independent adjustment mechanisms: a swing assembly for lateral movement, a height adjustment mechanism for vertical movement, and a breakaway assembly for safety. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while working together to provide comprehensive position adjustability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the armrest is made fixed and stable, then it provides reliable support, but it cannot be repositioned for different medical procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The armrest employs dynamic adjustment mechanisms including a swing assembly with bearing plates and pivot pins that enable controlled lateral movement, and a height adjustment mechanism with telescoping members that provide vertical positioning. These dynamic elements allow the armrest to be repositioned for different procedures while maintaining stability when positioned and locked in place.
Solution Approach 2:
The armrest is designed as a multi-functional device that can perform multiple functions: providing patient support, clearing lateral access for wheelchair patients, and positioning for various medical procedures such as blood collection and IV insertion. The combination of swing and height adjustment mechanisms gives the single armrest structure universal adaptability for diverse clinical needs.
3Ease of manufacture
If the armrest structure is simplified, then it is easier to manufacture, but it lacks the breakaway safety feature
Solution Approach 1:
The breakaway safety feature is implemented as a separate, segmented component - the breakaway assembly - that is integrated with but distinct from the main armrest structure. This assembly includes a breakaway bar, spring, and cam mechanism that can be manufactured independently and then assembled, allowing the complex safety feature to be produced using standard manufacturing processes without requiring complete redesign of the entire armrest.
Solution Approach 2:
The breakaway assembly acts as an intermediary safety mechanism between the patient and the main armrest structure. When excessive weight is applied, the breakaway assembly fails in a controlled manner through its cam and spring mechanism, releasing the armrest from its locked position and preventing damage to the main structure or injury to the patient.
Data Source
AI summary
An armrest assembly is disclosed herein. The armrest assembly includes a main body with a proximal adjustment assembly disposed at a first end and a distal adjustment assembly disposed at a second end. The proximal adjustment assembly provides for adjustment of the main body about a first axis. The distal adjustment assembly provides for adjustment of an arm pad about a second axis as well as a third axis. To prevent damage, a breakaway assembly is provided by the distal adjustment assembly to unlock the arm pad from a raised position and lower it into a lower position in the event a weight applied to the arm pad is beyond a particular weight threshold.