Adjustable Thigh Section for Patient Bed Popliteal Fit
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Hospital beds with articulating deck sections face challenges in adjusting the length of deck sections to accommodate varying patient sizes and comfort needs, which can lead to pressure ulcers and difficulties in patient ingress and egress.
Innovation Solution
A system that includes a linear force generator, slides, and a control panel to adjust the length of deck sections, specifically the thigh section, using a hydraulic cylinder or linear actuator, allowing for extension and retraction of the thigh section to modify the popliteal length based on patient-specific parameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the length of deck sections is adjusted to accommodate different patient body dimensions, then patient comfort and adaptability are improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional adjustment mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The deck is divided into multiple articulating sections (head, back, seat, thigh, and foot sections) that can be independently adjusted. The thigh section includes a length adjuster with a linear force generator and slides that can extend or retract to change the popliteal length, allowing customization for different patient body dimensions without requiring complete redesign of the entire bed structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment capabilities where the thigh section length can be changed during patient care. The linear force generator enables the slides to extend or retract, allowing the popliteal length to be adjusted in real-time based on patient needs, transforming a static structure into a dynamically adaptable system.
2Device complexity
If fixed-length deck sections are used, then the device complexity is reduced, but patient comfort and ability to prevent pressure ulcers deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The thigh section is designed with dynamic length adjustment capability through the linear force generator and slides mechanism. This allows the popliteal length to be adjusted to match individual patient anatomy, preventing pressure concentration at fixed points and reducing the risk of pressure ulcers while maintaining structural simplicity through the use of a single adjustable mechanism rather than multiple fixed sections.
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
The system enhances patient comfort by adjusting the popliteal length to fit different patient dimensions, reducing the risk of pressure ulcers and facilitating easier ingress and egress for patients of varying sizes and ages.
Implementation Method 1
A system with a length adjuster mechanism, including a linear force generator and slides, allows for the adjustable length of deck sections, such as the thigh section, by extending or retracting slides within tubes
Data Source
AI summary
A patient support is provided. The patient support is configurable to support a patient in a horizontal position and a seated position. The patient support includes a back section, and a thigh section coupled to the back section. The patient support also includes an adjustment member coupled to the thigh section. The adjustment member is movable to lengthen the thigh section.The patient support also includes a foot section coupled to the adjustment member. The foot section is pivotable into a first position substantially parallel to the thigh section to a second position substantially perpendicular to the thigh section.