Bed Guard Rail Guide Rack With Variable-Extension Suspension
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing guard rails for beds, particularly those designed for bedridden individuals, are often cumbersome and expensive due to the use of telescopic cylinders, which require careful handling and can pose hazards if not operated correctly, and lack efficient mechanisms for easy adjustment and operation.
Innovation Solution
A guard rail system featuring guide racks with hooks and pawls, connected by variable extension connecting elements, allowing for easy elevation and adjustment of the top and lower bars, enabling automatic adjustment of the distance between bars and allowing horizontal or angled extension, with pivot pins for flexible attachment to beds of varying lengths, and a stop latch mechanism for secure positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If telescopic cylinders are used to lift and lower guard rails, then the guard rail can be moved without manual lifting or pulling, but the device becomes expensive and requires careful attention to avoid applying large forces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the complex telescopic cylinder mechanism from the guard rail system and replaces it with a simpler suspension element system that uses gravity and elastic forces for automatic lowering, eliminating the need for powered actuators while maintaining ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The guard rail system is designed to lower automatically using gravity when released from the elevated position, eliminating the need for powered actuators. The suspension elements provide the necessary support and control during the lowering process without requiring external power sources or complex control systems
2Ease of operation
If telescopic cylinders are used to lift and lower guard rails, then manual lifting or pulling is avoided, but expensive components requiring careful handling are introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the complex telescopic cylinder mechanism from the guard rail system and replaces it with a simpler suspension element system that uses gravity and elastic forces for automatic lowering, eliminating the need for powered actuators while maintaining ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The suspension elements are designed to provide controlled damping during the lowering process, preventing sudden drops or impacts. This cushioning effect ensures safe operation without requiring complex control systems or expensive actuators
3Ease of operation
If a guard rail is designed to be quickly operated for moving bedridden persons, then ease of operation improves, but the structure may become less stable or safe
Solution Approach 1:
The guard rail system transitions from a static fixed position to a dynamic system that can be easily elevated and lowered. The suspension elements enable smooth transitions between positions while maintaining stability in each position through gravitational and elastic forces
Solution Approach 2:
The guard rail system is designed to lower automatically using gravity when released from the elevated position, eliminating the need for powered actuators. The suspension elements provide the necessary support and control during the lowering process without requiring external power sources or complex control systems
Data Source
Figure 1A~1D
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AI summary
Guard rail for a bed, guide rack for a guard rail and a bed with such guard rail The invention relates to a guard rail with bars intended for extending along a side of the bed. Guide racks are arranged along opposing ends of the bars. The guide racks include fastening means for securing the guide racks to the bed. Each end of the bars is adapted for engaging a suspension element. Each of the guide racks has a hook at a top position of the guide rack. A top suspension element has a pawl capable of engaging and disengaging the hook of the guide rack. Between a top suspension element and a neighbouring lower suspension element,a connecting element is provided, having a variable extension and a maximum extension between the top suspension element and the neighbouring first lower suspension element.The invention also relates to a guide rack, a method of operating the guard rail and to a bed with a guard rail.