Bariatric Support Assembly With Stable Seat-to-Table Reconfiguration
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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 harmful 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 hydraulic 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 automatically position the patient support assembly, then the ease of operation is improved, but the stability of the apparatus deteriorates due to destabilizing forces during reconfiguration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs counterbalancing mechanisms and controlled force distribution through the carriage assembly to offset destabilizing forces generated by hydraulic actuators during patient repositioning, maintaining apparatus stability while enabling automatic positioning
2Adaptability or versatility
If the apparatus is made vertically and angularly adjustable to provide multiple positions, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional adjustment mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates vertical height adjustment and angular positioning functions into a unified carriage assembly that coordinates multiple adjustment mechanisms, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining full adaptability for various patient positions
3Ease of operation
If the foot support portions are made extendable for automatic retraction, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to potential damage from striking the ground
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates preliminary protective measures through controlled retraction mechanisms and cushioning elements in the foot support assemblies that prevent ground impact damage before it can occur, enabling safe automatic retraction operations
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 foot support engagement 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
The first aperture and each of the second apertures has a lower cam-shaped surface and an upper catch edge surface
Implementation Method 3
a carriage assembly interposed between the patient support assembly and the base assembly for facilitating changing the vertical height and angular disposition of the patient support assembly relative to the base assembly
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).