Convertible Bariatric Patient Support With Auto-Retracting Footrests
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Solution Overview
Problem
Support apparatuses for bariatric patients, such as wheelchairs and beds, face instability and potential damage during reconfiguration due to forces experienced during positioning changes, which can lead to injury or equipment damage, and may result in damaging contact with surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A multi-functional support apparatus that is selectively convertible between a seat and table configuration, featuring vertical and angular adjustability, enhanced lateral support, and automatically retracting foot support portions, utilizing a carriage assembly with lift actuators, telescoping support cylinders, and a conversion actuator to facilitate safe and stable reconfiguration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If hydraulic actuators are used to assist in positioning patients, then positioning capability is improved, but apparatus stability deteriorates due to forces experienced during positioning changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by designing the apparatus to anticipate and counteract destabilizing forces before they cause damage. The lateral support portions and controlled relocation mechanisms are pre-configured to resist forces that would otherwise destabilize the apparatus during patient positioning changes, thereby maintaining stability while enabling easy positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements beforehand cushioning through lateral support portions that extend laterally from the patient support assembly. These support portions act as protective elements that cushion and distribute forces during positioning operations, preventing destabilizing effects before they can compromise apparatus stability or cause damage.
2Adaptability or versatility
If apparatus is reconfigured during patient positioning, then positioning flexibility is improved, but risk of damaging contact with ground or surfaces increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by automatically retracting the foot support portions before the apparatus is lowered or reconfigured. This preliminary retraction action prevents the foot support portions from making damaging contact with the ground or other surfaces during subsequent relocation operations, thereby enabling flexible reconfiguration without increasing damage risk.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service through automatically retracting foot support portions that retract on their own without requiring manual intervention. The foot support portions automatically retract when the apparatus is lowered or reconfigured, preventing damaging contact autonomously and enabling safe, flexible positioning changes.
3Ease of operation
If foot support portions are extended for patient support, then patient comfort is improved, but risk of striking ground during reconfiguration increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by automatically retracting the foot support portions before the apparatus undergoes reconfiguration or lowering. This preliminary retraction ensures that even though the foot support portions were extended for patient comfort, they are retracted in advance to prevent striking the ground during subsequent movements, thereby maintaining both comfort and safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service through foot support portions that automatically retract without manual intervention when the apparatus is lowered or reconfigured. This automatic retraction mechanism ensures that the foot support portions, which provide comfort during use, safely retract themselves to prevent ground contact during transitions, balancing comfort with safety.
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 apparatus ensures safe and stable positioning changes for bariatric patients by preventing destabilization and damage, allowing for quick adjustments between seated and prostrate positions while maintaining lateral stability and preventing contact with the ground during reconfiguration.
Implementation Method 1
The catch bolt is biased by a spring toward insertion into the first aperture and the second apertures
Implementation Method 2
An upward force exerted on the elongated shaft, such as can occur when the left or right foot portions move downward and strike the ground during reconfiguration of the apparatus, causes the lower cam-shaped surface to slide upwardly against the insertion end of the catch bolt
Data Source
AI summary
A support apparatus (10) for use in supporting a person, particularly a bariatric patient. The apparatus (10) is selectively convertible between a seat configuration for supporting the person in a substantially seated position and a table configuration for supporting the person in a substantially prostrate position. The apparatus (10) is both vertically and angularly adjustable in either configuration. The apparatus (10) includes enhanced lateral support provided by telescoping support cylinders (74,76), and substantially automatically retracting foot support portions (50).