Adjustable Siderail Assembly for Variable-Width Patient Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing person-support apparatuses with moveable siderails face challenges in accommodating subjects of varying sizes and shapes, leading to increased risk of injury during transfers, inefficiencies in staff operations, and ergonomic issues for surgeons due to non-ergonomic reach requirements.
Innovation Solution
A siderail assembly with a drop surface and adjustment mechanism that allows the siderail to pivot between raised and lowered positions, adjusting the width of the support surface to accommodate different needs, including surgical and convalescing positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the siderail is fixed in a single position, then the structure is simple and stable, but it cannot accommodate subjects of different sizes and shapes
Solution Approach 1:
The siderail is designed to be moveable rather than fixed, allowing it to pivot between a raised position (providing restraint) and a lowered position (allowing access). This dynamic configuration enables the same siderail structure to adapt to different subject sizes and procedural requirements without increasing structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The single siderail assembly serves multiple functions: it provides restraint when raised, allows surgical access when lowered, and can be positioned to accommodate different subject sizes. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for multiple separate restraint systems
2Ease of operation
If the support surface width is fixed, then the structure is simple, but it creates ergonomic issues for surgeons and increases injury risk during transfers
Solution Approach 1:
The support surface width is made dynamically adjustable through the moveable siderail mechanism. When the siderail is lowered, the effective support width increases to allow ergonomic surgeon access. When raised, the width decreases to provide restraint. This dynamic adjustment eliminates ergonomic issues without requiring complex adjustable mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The support surface is effectively segmented into a fixed portion and a variable portion controlled by the siderail position. This segmentation allows the variable section to adjust width while the fixed section maintains structural stability
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple support apparatuses are used for different procedures, then the needs of various procedures are met, but the device complexity and operational inefficiency increase
Solution Approach 1:
The person-support apparatus is designed as a universal platform that can accommodate multiple procedures through the adjustable siderail mechanism. The same apparatus can provide restraint for convalescing subjects or allow access for surgical procedures, eliminating the need for multiple specialized apparatuses and improving staff efficiency
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Reduces the risk of injury during transfers, enhances staff efficiency, and provides ergonomic support for surgeons by allowing adjustable width adjustments to accommodate various procedures without the need for multiple support apparatuses.
Implementation Method 1
The frame end is pivotable relative to a person-support apparatus frame such that pivoting the siderail adjustment mechanism upwardly or downwardly switches the siderail assembly between a raised position and a lowered position
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments disclosed include a person-support apparatus, which includes a mattress, a person-support apparatus frame, and a siderail. The siderail assembly may be pivotally coupled to the person-support apparatus frame. The siderail assembly includes a siderail, a drop surface, and a siderail adjustment mechanism. The drop surface is configured to be raised and lowered relative to a deck section of a person-support apparatus so as to widen or narrow the width of the deck section. The siderail adjustment mechanism has a rail end and a frame end. The drop surface is removably attached to the siderail. The rail end of the siderail adjustment mechanism is pivotally coupled to the siderail. The frame end of the siderail adjustment mechanism is pivotable relative to the person-support apparatus frame such that pivoting the siderail adjustment mechanism moves the siderail assembly between a raised position and a lowered position.