Bed Caster Load Detection with Guide Plate Slopes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Beds in hospitals and nursing care facilities are difficult to move due to their weight, and placing a caster on a load detector requires significant effort and time.
Innovation Solution
A load detection device with a guide plate having an annular shape and slopes to easily guide the caster onto a placement unit, featuring a handle for easy movement and a stop wall to secure the caster in place, along with a discharge port to prevent liquid accumulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a caster is placed on a load detector to enable bed movement detection, then load detection capability is achieved, but the placement process requires significant force and time due to the heavy bed weight
Solution Approach 1:
The guide plate incorporates slopes with curved surfaces that guide the caster onto the placement plate. The curved guide surfaces reduce friction and facilitate easier placement of the heavy bed caster onto the load detector, thereby reducing placement time while maintaining detection reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The guide plate acts as an intermediary component between the caster and the placement plate. It provides a transitional path with slopes that make it easier to place the caster onto the load detector, reducing the direct force required while ensuring proper positioning for accurate load detection
2Reliability
If a caster is placed on a load detector to enable bed movement detection, then load detection capability is achieved, but the placement process requires significant force due to the heavy bed weight
Solution Approach 1:
The guide plate incorporates slopes with curved surfaces that guide the caster onto the placement plate. The curved guide surfaces reduce friction and facilitate easier placement of the heavy bed caster onto the load detector, thereby reducing placement time while maintaining detection reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The guide plate acts as an intermediary component between the caster and the placement plate. It provides a transitional path with slopes that make it easier to place the caster onto the load detector, reducing the direct force required while ensuring proper positioning for accurate load detection
3Strength
If the guide plate is made thicker to provide structural support, then structural strength is improved, but the device becomes heavier and harder to move
Solution Approach 1:
The guide plate features variable thickness with thicker regions localized at the corners and thinner regions in the center. This local quality approach provides structural strength where needed (corner support) while minimizing overall weight, making the device easier to move while maintaining guide plate structural integrity
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 device allows easy placement and movement of the caster, enhances accuracy and hygiene by preventing liquid accumulation, and facilitates easy installation and use of the load detection system.
Implementation Method 1
a guide plate having an annular shape and surrounding the placement unit, wherein the guide plate is provided with a slope configured to guide the caster to the placement unit
Data Source
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AI summary
This load detection device (100, 200), installed below the castor of a bed, is provided with a placement unit (30, 230) where the castor is placed, a load detection unit (10, 20) which detects the load applied to the placement unit, and an annular guide plate (40) around the placement unit. On the guide plate, a slope (SL) which guides the castor towards the placement unit, and a handle (HD) for moving the load detection device are provided. The slope includes a first slope which is adjacent to the placement unit in a prescribed direction, and a second slope which is adjacent to the placement unit in a direction orthogonal to said prescribed direction.