Hospital Bed Deck Motion Converter for Single-Actuator Articulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hospital bed articulation systems, while flexible in prototypes, are likely to be simplified for commercial production, requiring fewer actuators and more efficient kinematic configurations to reduce cost and increase reliability.
Innovation Solution
A bed structure incorporating a motion converter with a rack, primary gear, panel drive sprocket, idler sprocket, slider, and chain system that translates a deck panel relative to the deck framework in response to both translation and rotation of the framework, enabling efficient longitudinal and angular adjustments with fewer actuators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single actuator with simplified kinematic configuration is used, then device complexity and cost are reduced, but the ability to independently control translation and rotation is limited
Solution Approach 1:
A motion converter mechanism is introduced as an intermediary device between the single actuator and the deck panel. This converter includes a rack and pinion gear system that translates the linear actuator motion into coordinated rotation and translation of the deck panel, enabling complex articulation with a single actuator
Solution Approach 2:
The motion converter mechanism performs multiple functions simultaneously: it converts linear actuator motion to rotational motion, controls both translation and rotation of the deck panel, and maintains parallel translation capability. This multi-functionality allows a single actuator to achieve what would traditionally require multiple actuators
2Ease of operation
If parallel translation of the deck panel is implemented, then articulation performance is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional motion conversion mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The motion converter merges the control of translation and rotation into a single integrated mechanism. The rack and pinion system combines linear motion conversion with rotational control, and the chain drive integrates panel translation with framework rotation, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining articulation performance
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
This configuration allows for flexible articulation with reduced complexity and cost, maintaining performance and reliability by converting relative motion between the frame and deck framework into rotary and translational motions for the deck panel, enhancing the bed's operational flexibility and user comfort.
Implementation Method 1
a rack secured to the frame, a primary gear meshing with the rack
Implementation Method 2
a chain engaged with the panel drive sprocket and the idler and connected to the slider
Implementation Method 3
a slider connected to the panel
Data Source
AI summary
A bed structure includes a frame 28, a deck framework 50 moveably connected to the frame, a panel 72 moveably connected to the deck framework, and a motion converter 100. The motion converter translates the panel relative to the deck framework in response to either or both of a) relative translation between the deck framework and the frame, and b) relative rotation of the deck framework and the frame. In one detailed embodiment the motion converter includes a rack 102 secured to the frame, a primary gear 124 meshing with the rack, a panel drive sprocket 170 rotatably mounted on the deck framework coaxially with the primary gear, an idler sprocket 192 rotatably mounted on the deck framework remote from the panel drive sprocket, a slider connected to the panel, and a chain 220 engaged with the panel drive sprocket and the idler and connected to the slider.