Auto-Contour Patient Support Linkage for 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, particularly when heavier patients are being cared for, as the knees tend to migrate during head section elevation, making it challenging for caregivers to reposition them without straining.
Innovation Solution
A patient support apparatus with an auto contour mechanism that includes a linkage system allowing the thigh section to tilt relative to the seat section as the head section is raised, utilizing a spring clutch and cam mechanism to control the movement, enabling the thigh section to be raised and lowered independently of the head section, thereby maintaining patient stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the head section is raised, then the patient's head is elevated for examination or comfort, but the patient tends to migrate toward the foot end due to gravity
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 head section to be elevated while keeping the thigh section stable to prevent patient migration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs dynamic control where the thigh section can automatically rise when the head section is raised, or remain stationary depending on caregiver needs. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the system to adapt to different patient positioning requirements and prevent migration during head elevation.
2Stability of the object's composition
If an auto contour mechanism is added to raise the thigh section when the head section is raised, then patient migration is prevented, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The linkage system is designed with multi-functionality, where the same mechanical linkage that raises the head section also automatically raises the thigh section through geometric constraints. This universal mechanism prevents patient migration without requiring separate complex actuators for each section.
Solution Approach 2:
The auto contour mechanism is designed to automatically raise the thigh section when the head section is raised, without requiring manual intervention or additional power sources. The mechanical linkage itself performs the service of coordinating the thigh section movement, reducing the need for external control systems.
3Force
If gas springs are used to aid lifting the head section, then lifting effort is reduced, but the thigh section still rises uncontrollably with the head section
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting mechanism is segmented into independent systems: gas springs handle the head section lifting force, while separate linkages independently control the thigh section. This segmentation allows the thigh section to be controlled independently of the head section lifting force, preventing uncontrolled movement.
Solution Approach 2:
Mechanical linkages act as intermediaries between the head section movement and the thigh section position. These linkages mediate the relationship by translating head section elevation into controlled thigh section movement, preventing direct coupling and uncontrolled rise.
4Stability of the object's composition
If the thigh section is raised to prevent patient migration, then patient stability is improved, but the patient's leg circulation may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The thigh section elevation is made dynamic and adjustable, allowing the caregiver to control the degree of rise based on patient needs. The section can be raised sufficiently to prevent migration but lowered or held at intermediate positions to maintain circulation, adapting to individual patient requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows continuous adjustment of the thigh section angle and position parameters. Caregivers can modify the elevation angle to achieve the minimum necessary for patient stability while avoiding excessive elevation that would restrict circulation, optimizing the balance between these competing requirements.
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.