Bed Castor Brake Assembly With Single-Pedal Locking Linkage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hospital bed braking systems are complex and prone to failure due to non-integral brake mechanism coupling, leading to usability and safety issues, especially when all four castors need to be braked simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
A simplified brake pedal and castor assembly with over-molded markers and a coupling mechanism that allows all pedals to be actuated by a single pedal, using a common brake actuator and coupling members outside the frame struts for improved durability and ease of use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If non-integral fittings are used to couple brake mechanisms, then the brake assembly can be assembled from separate components, but the complexity of the brake assembly increases and the reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the brake mechanism components into a single integral brake assembly unit, eliminating the need for separate fittings to couple brake mechanisms. This merging of components reduces the overall complexity of the brake assembly while maintaining the ability to assemble from standardized parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The brake assembly is designed with universal coupling interfaces that can accommodate different brake mechanism configurations. The integral design provides multi-functional capability, serving both as a structural support and as the coupling mechanism itself, thereby reducing the number of separate components needed.
2Adaptability or versatility
If non-integral fittings are used to couple brake mechanisms, then component flexibility is maintained, but the chances of failure increase and dirt accumulation occurs
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the coupling fittings directly into the brake assembly structure, the patent eliminates separate coupling components that could fail or accumulate dirt. The merged design reduces the number of potential failure points while maintaining adaptability through standardized interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent addresses the potential harm of dirt accumulation and component failure by designing the integral brake assembly with smooth, continuous surfaces that minimize crevices where dirt could collect. The integrated structure converts the potential disadvantage of reduced component flexibility into a benefit by eliminating gaps and joints that are prone to contamination and failure.
3Ease of repair
If separate fittings are used for brake components, then individual component replacement is easier, but the number of potential failure locations increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple brake mechanism components into a single integral assembly, reducing the total number of parts from several separate fittings to one unified structure. This merging simplifies the overall system while maintaining ease of repair through modular design principles.
Solution Approach 2:
While integrating components, the patent maintains segmentation at the module level, allowing the entire brake assembly to be replaced as a single unit if needed. This modular segmentation balances the benefits of integrated design with the practical needs of maintenance and repair.
Data Source
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AI summary
A pedal (10) is formed from a single moulding and includes first and second arms (12, 14), each provided with an over moulded marker (16, 18). The pedal (10) has two fittings (20, 22) for coupling with a brake actuator rod (24) and a coupling member (26) respectively. A castor (40) includes a wheel (42) which can rotate about a bushing (44) and a coupling shaft (46). Within the shaft (46) there is provided a brake mechanism for locking the wheel (42). A base frame (80) for a bed includes longitudinal and transverse struts (52, 54) arranged in a rectangular form, with four castors (40) and four associated pedal assemblies (10). Two actuator rods (24) are provided, one for each pair of opposing pedal assemblies (10), while two connecting elements (26) are provided, one for each pair of side-by-side pedal assemblies (10). All the pedals and thus all the brake mechanisms are coupled to one another through the two actuator rods (24) and two coupling elements (26). When one pedal (10) is actuated all the castors will either be locked or will all be released by a single operation.