Armrest Locking Mechanism for Stable Bed-Wheelchair Transfers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing bed designs that convert into wheelchairs often require significant caregiver effort to manage armrests, which can be displaced by unexpected motions of care receivers, compromising usability and increasing the risk of injury.

Innovation Solution

An armrest locking mechanism featuring a lever and armrest lock that securely locks the armrest in place, preventing unintended movement and allowing caregivers to easily move it when necessary.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the armrest is made freely movable to allow easy adjustment by caregivers, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability deteriorates because the armrest may be displaced by unexpected motions of the care receiver

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of armrest adjustmentVSAvoidarmrest position stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The armrest locking mechanism implements a dynamic system where the armrest can be easily moved by caregivers when needed, but automatically locks into a stable position during use. The mechanism transitions between movable and locked states based on operational needs, resolving the contradiction between ease of adjustment and position stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If the armrest locking mechanism is made complex to prevent unexpected movement, then the reliability is improved, but the ease of operation worsens because caregivers have difficulty moving the armrest

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvearmrest position stabilityVSAvoidease of armrest adjustment

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The locking mechanism is designed to automatically engage and lock the armrest in position without requiring complex manual intervention. The system self-activates based on the armrest's position, providing reliable locking while maintaining simple operation for caregivers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If the armrest is made fixed to prevent displacement by care receivers, then the reliability is improved, but the ease of operation worsens because caregivers cannot easily adjust the armrest position

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvearmrest position stabilityVSAvoidease of armrest adjustment

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The mechanism transforms the armrest from a static fixed structure to a dynamic system that can be easily adjusted when needed and then securely locked. The lever-based locking system allows caregivers to move the armrest freely during adjustment, after which the armrest automatically locks to maintain stable position during use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS10201465B2Armrest locking mechanism and integrated bed having same

Publication Date: 2019.02.12 PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO LTD

AI summary

An armrest locking mechanism includes a lever and an armrest lock. The lever is configured to unlock a movement of an armrest. The armrest lock is configured to unlock a movement of the lever.