Auto-Contour Handle Linkage for Patient Migration Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing patient support apparatuses, such as hospital beds and stretchers, face difficulties in maintaining patient positioning when the head section is raised, as heavier patients tend to migrate towards the foot end, and existing auto contour mechanisms may not provide adequate control over thigh section movement.
Innovation Solution
A patient support apparatus with a frame, tiltable drop rails, a seat section, a thigh section, and a linkage system that allows the thigh section to remain parallel or tilt relative to the seat section as the head section is raised, utilizing a cam and roller assembly with a lockable spring clutch to control the movement of the thigh section independently of the head section.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the head section is raised to improve patient positioning, then patient migration is prevented, but the thigh section may not remain elevated enough for heavier patients
Solution Approach 1:
The patient support deck is divided into multiple independently controllable sections: head section, seat section, thigh section, and foot section. Each section can be raised or lowered independently through separate linkages and actuators, allowing the thigh section to maintain elevation even when the head section is raised, thereby preventing patient migration while ensuring reliable thigh elevation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic control of the thigh section through a linkage mechanism coupled to the head section actuator. As the head section is raised, the linkage automatically adjusts the thigh section position to maintain appropriate elevation angles, enabling the system to adapt to different patient weights and positioning needs in real-time.
2Ease of operation
If gas springs are used to aid head section lifting, then caregiver effort is reduced, but heavier patients still experience difficulty in raising the head section
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting system is segmented into multiple independent actuators: gas springs for head section lifting and separate linkages with actuators for thigh and foot sections. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, with the gas springs handling head section lifting while additional actuators manage the thigh and foot sections, providing sufficient force for heavier patients.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple lifting functions into an integrated system where the head section actuator's motion is transmitted through a linkage mechanism to simultaneously control the thigh and foot sections. This merging of functions allows a single actuator to perform multiple lifting tasks, reducing the total force required while maintaining ease of operation for heavier patients.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the thigh section is raised automatically with the head section, then patient migration is prevented, but the thigh section cannot be positioned independently for different patient needs
Solution Approach 1:
The thigh section is equipped with a dynamic linkage mechanism that can operate in multiple modes: automatic coupling to the head section actuator for synchronized raising, independent actuation for separate positioning, or manual adjustment. This dynamic capability allows the thigh section to adapt to different patient needs, providing both automatic migration prevention and independent positioning flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows changing the operational parameters of the thigh section through adjustable linkage configurations and controllable actuators. The thigh section can be raised at different rates, to different heights, and with different angles depending on patient requirements, while maintaining the ability to synchronize with head section movement when needed.
Data Source
AI summary
A patient support apparatus includes a frame and seat, thigh, and head sections coupled to the frame. A linkage is coupled to the head, seat, and thigh sections. The linkage has a first mode of operation in which the seat and thigh sections remain substantially parallel to each other as the head section is raised and lowered and the linkage has a second mode of operation in which the thigh section tilts relative to the seat section as the head section is raised and lowered. A handle is movable relative to the head section between a first position in which the linkage is in the first mode of operation and a second position in which the linkage is in the second mode of operation.