Adjustable Patient Support Handle for Ergonomic Caregiver Height

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional patient support devices, such as stretchers, often require caregivers to assume uncomfortable positions while pushing due to fixed handle heights, which can be inefficient and ergonomic for both short and tall caregivers.

Innovation Solution

A patient support apparatus with a rolling base and a push handle unit that includes a lift system and control system, allowing the handle height to be adjusted based on caregiver parameters, such as height detected by sensors or RFID tags, to position the handle for ergonomic use.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the handle height is fixed, then the device structure is simple, but the ergonomic comfort for caregivers of different heights deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveergonomic comfortVSAvoiddevice structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The handle height is made dynamically adjustable through a motorized lift system that can change the vertical position of the handle assembly. This allows the handle to adapt to different caregiver heights while maintaining a relatively simple overall device structure through automated control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The vertical position parameter of the handle is made variable through an electric motor-driven mechanism. The system can change the handle height parameter to match different caregiver anthropometric measurements, improving ergonomics without requiring complex mechanical adjustments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If the handle height is adjusted manually, then the device complexity is reduced, but the time required to adjust and the productivity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadjustment timeVSAvoidcontrol system

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Manual mechanical adjustment mechanisms are replaced with an electric motor-driven lift system controlled by a microprocessor. This substitution reduces adjustment time significantly while the control system complexity is managed through integrated circuitry and software control algorithms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates sensors and control algorithms that automatically determine the appropriate handle height based on detected caregiver characteristics, eliminating the need for manual measurement and adjustment by the caregiver. The system serves itself by autonomously positioning the handle optimally.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If the handle is positioned for tall caregivers, then tall caregivers experience good ergonomics, but short caregivers must assume uncomfortable positions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccommodation of different caregiver heightsVSAvoidcomfort for specific caregiver

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The handle assembly is designed as a universal interface that can serve caregivers of various heights through vertical position adjustment. The lift system enables the same handle to function optimally for both short and tall caregivers by changing its vertical position, achieving multi-functionality across different user groups.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS9205009B2Patient support apparatus having movable handles

Publication Date: 2015.12.08 HILL ROM SERVICES INC

AI summary

A patient support apparatus includes a rolling base, a push handle unit, and a siderail. The push handle unit is coupled to a head end of the rolling base to provide a hand hold for a user pushing the rolling base from along the head end of the rolling base. The siderail is extends along a side of the rolling base to provide a hand hold for a caregiver pushing the rolling base from along the side of the rolling base.