Interconnected Bed Castor Brake Assembly for Single-Pedal Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hospital bed braking systems are complex and prone to failure due to separate braking mechanisms for each castor, which can lead to usability and safety issues, especially in high-use environments like hospitals.
Innovation Solution
A brake pedal with integral fittings for both brake components and coupling members, allowing for a simpler, more robust assembly where all pedals can be interconnected through a common brake actuator, ensuring that actuation of one pedal moves all interconnected pedals, and markers are over-moulded for enhanced durability and clarity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate braking mechanisms are provided for each castor, then each castor can be braked individually, but the system becomes complex and components are prone to failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple braking mechanisms into a single integrated pedal assembly. The pedal includes integral fittings for brake components and coupling members that connect all four castors together, allowing a single pedal operation to control all brakes simultaneously. This merging reduces the number of separate components and potential failure points while maintaining individual castor braking capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The pedal assembly serves multiple functions: it provides the brake actuation mechanism, includes coupling members for connecting all castors, and integrates fittings for both brake components and coupling elements. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate pedals and coupling mechanisms for each castor, simplifying the overall system while improving reliability.
2Ease of operation
If pedals are provided for braking, then the braking function is available, but the pedals are subject to breakage and component loosening due to heavy use
Solution Approach 1:
The brake fitting and coupling member fitting are integrated into a single moulded pedal component. This integration eliminates multiple separate parts that could loosen or fail independently, creating a more durable assembly that can withstand heavy hospital use while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The pedal is moulded as a single component, likely using composite materials or reinforced plastics that provide both the necessary mechanical strength for heavy use and the flexibility for cam action. This single-piece construction prevents component separation and loosening that plagues multi-part pedal assemblies.
3Adaptability or versatility
If coupling members are provided to link brake mechanisms, then all castors can be braked together, but additional components increase complexity and potential failure points
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling members are integrated directly into the pedal assembly rather than being separate components. The pedal includes integral fittings that accommodate both brake components and coupling members, reducing the total number of parts and eliminating the need for separate coupling mechanisms while maintaining the capability to link all castors together.
Data Source
AI summary
A pedal (10) is formed from a single molding and includes first and second arms (12, 14), each provided with an over molded 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.