Adjustable Patient Support Frame for Bariatric and Standard Patients
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hospital beds are inadequate for bariatric patients as they lack the structural strength and functionalities to accommodate morbidly obese individuals, limiting their use for general patient care and increasing hospital costs due to specialized bed requirements.
Innovation Solution
A height and width adjustable patient support system with telescoping leg assemblies, a touch-sensitive obstruction sensor, and a rack-and-pinion mechanism for expanding the bed width, allowing it to convert between standard and bariatric sizes while maintaining robustness and versatility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a hospital bed is designed to accommodate average-sized patients, then it provides sufficient functionalities and structural strength for general patient care, but it cannot support bariatric patients whose weights can be as high as 1000 pounds or greater
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the bed frame adjustable between different configurations. The frame can be transformed from a standard configuration suitable for average patients to an extended configuration with additional support legs and increased structural reinforcement suitable for bariatric patients. This dynamic adaptability allows a single bed design to serve multiple patient populations with different weight requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by modifying structural parameters of the bed frame such as leg length, frame width, and support distribution. The frame includes adjustable components that can change the bed's load-bearing capacity and structural geometry to match different patient weight classes, thereby resolving the contradiction between fixed structural strength and variable patient accommodation needs.
2Strength
If specialized bariatric beds are designed to accommodate morbidly obese patients, then they possess sufficient structural strength, but they lack the functionalities of regular hospital beds and are specialized only for bariatric patients
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single hospital bed frame that can function for both standard and bariatric patients. The frame includes configurable components that allow it to provide full hospital bed functionalities (adjustable height, positioning, support) while adapting its structural capacity to handle different patient weight classes. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate specialized beds.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes segmentation by dividing the bed frame into modular, adjustable components. The frame can be segmented and reconfigured with additional support elements, adjustable legs, and variable structural sections that can be deployed based on patient needs. This segmentation allows the same frame to deliver comprehensive functionalities for standard patients while providing enhanced structural support for bariatric patients.
3Reliability
If specialized bariatric beds are maintained in stock for bariatric patients, then they are available when needed, but hospital costs increase due to having specialized beds without regular usage for general patient care
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by enabling the hospital bed frame to dynamically adapt its configuration based on the patient population being served. Rather than maintaining separate static beds for different patient types, the system can transform the same frame between standard and bariatric configurations, ensuring reliable availability for bariatric patients while maximizing resource utilization efficiency through versatile use across different patient populations.
Data Source
AI summary
A patient support includes a height adjustable patient support deck, at least one guard structure mounted for movement relative to the patient support deck, and a latch operable to lock the position of the guard structure in a raised position. The patient support further includes a CPR release operable to lower the head deck section of the patient support deck to place the patient support in an emergency state and further operable to release the latch to allow the guard rail structure to lower or be lowered from the raised position.