Articulated Chair Armrest System for Consistent IV Access Position
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Solution Overview
Problem
Articulated chairs used in medical procedures face challenges in maintaining a consistent and favorable arm position for intravenous procedures, as existing armrest systems require multiple sets and are not adaptable to changes in chair position, leading to undesirable arm positions during reclining or upright movements.
Innovation Solution
An articulated chair with a universal reclining or pivoting system that includes a pivoting mechanism and an armrest adapter assembly with adjustable components, such as a ball joint and channel, to maintain a desired armrest position throughout the chair's range of motion, accommodating various positions and procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sets of interchangeable armrests are used to accommodate different chair positions, then the armrest can be adapted to different procedures, but the device complexity increases and requires matched pairs for left-hand and right-hand procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The armrest system is designed with a universal adapter assembly that can accommodate different armrest configurations for both left-hand and right-hand procedures. The adapter includes a channel that can receive sled portions from various armrest assemblies, eliminating the need for multiple specialized armrest sets while maintaining adaptability across different chair positions and procedural requirements
2Adaptability or versatility
If the chair is moved from upright to reclined position during intravenous procedure, then patient positioning flexibility is improved, but the arm position changes to an undesirable or unfavorable position
Solution Approach 1:
The armrest assembly incorporates a sled that can move dynamically within the channel of the adapter assembly. This allows the armrest to adjust its position automatically as the chair transitions between upright and reclined positions, maintaining the arm in a favorable position for intravenous procedures throughout the range of motion rather than being fixed in a single position
3Device complexity
If fixed armrest position is used, then the armrest structure is simple, but the armrest cannot maintain desired position throughout the chair's operable range of motion
Solution Approach 1:
The armrest system transitions from a fixed structure to a dynamic one where the sled can move along the channel. This allows the armrest to automatically adjust and maintain the desired position relative to the patient's arm as the chair moves through its operable range of motion, achieving position maintenance without requiring complex active control mechanisms
Data Source
AI summary
A universal reclining armrest system for use with an articulated examination chair. The system includes an armrest adapter having a universal aperture for receiving a post portion of an armrest assembly. The armrest adapter further includes a splined peg for coupling to a pivoting mechanism of an articulated chair. The pivoting mechanism enables the chair to move throughout an operable range of motion while maintaining a fixed rotational position of an attached armrest adapter. The armrest assembly further includes an adjustable joint to provide 360° of rotational adjustment to the armrest relative to the fixed position of the armrest adapter.