Bed Foot Section Onboard Storage Linkage Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional birthing beds require the detachable foot section to be stored separately during delivery, which can be inconvenient and occupy valuable space, whereas the present solution allows for onboard storage of the foot section, maintaining its functionality and reducing space requirements.
Innovation Solution
A patient support system with a frame and a foot section that is coupled to the frame and movable between a raised position for patient support and a lowered position for storage, utilizing a linkage mechanism with slide housings, extension slides, and a gas spring to facilitate easy storage and retrieval, ensuring the foot section remains horizontally aligned during movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the foot section is detached and stored separately during delivery, then it can be removed to allow footstool placement, but it occupies valuable space and requires separate storage locations
Solution Approach 1:
The foot section is designed to nest within the patient support frame structure when in the lowered position. The foot section folds upward and inward, with its components nesting within the available space defined by the frame, eliminating the need for external storage locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The foot section transitions from a horizontal plane when in use to a vertical or angled position during storage. By changing the dimension of storage from horizontal floor space to vertical space within the frame structure, the patent eliminates the need for separate storage areas.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the foot section is made detachable to allow footstool insertion, then delivery assistance is improved, but the foot section requires reattachment procedures after delivery
Solution Approach 1:
The foot section employs a dynamic linkage mechanism with movable connections rather than fixed detachable joints. This allows the foot section to be quickly repositioned from horizontal to vertical storage without complex reattachment procedures, reducing the time required to transition between configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
A linkage mechanism acts as an intermediary between the foot section and the patient support frame. This intermediary system facilitates smooth transitions between attached and stored positions, eliminating the need for direct reattachment procedures while maintaining configuration flexibility.
3Area of stationary object
If the foot section is lowered for storage, then space is optimized, but the mechanism must ensure horizontal alignment is maintained during movement
Solution Approach 1:
The linkage mechanism employs asymmetric link lengths and angles that are specifically designed to guide the foot section through a precise arc of motion. This asymmetric geometry ensures that the foot section maintains horizontal alignment relative to the patient support surface throughout the lowering and storage movement, eliminating the need for additional alignment mechanisms.
4Ease of operation
If the foot section uses a linkage mechanism with slide housings and extension slides, then ease of movement is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The linkage mechanism components serve multiple functions: the slide housings provide both guidance and structural support, while the extension slides simultaneously enable movement and maintain horizontal alignment. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate mechanisms, offsetting the complexity increase with functional consolidation.
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
Enables convenient onboard storage of the foot section, maintaining its horizontal alignment and accessibility, thereby optimizing space usage and simplifying the storage process during deliveries, while ensuring the foot section can be quickly reattached when needed.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing a linkage mechanism with slide housings, extension slides, and a gas spring to facilitate easy storage and retrieval
Data Source
AI summary
A patient support is disclosed as including a frame and a foot section having an upper surface, the foot section operatively coupled to the frame and movable between a use position for providing support for a patient and a lowered position for storage. The patient support is also disclosed as having an onboard storage location for the foot section.