Patient Bed Head Handles and IV Pole for Clear Caregiver Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing patient support apparatuses face challenges in providing adequate access and minimizing interference for caregivers when handling and transporting patients, particularly due to the design of handles and intravenous poles which can impinge on the recessed edge space, limiting caregiver mobility and access.
Innovation Solution
The patient support apparatus features a recessed edge with handles that pivot inwardly and an intravenous pole that adjusts between deployed and stowed positions, along with a cover and bumpers to reduce interference, allowing increased access and safe handling during transport.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If handles are positioned on the head portion, then caregiver access is improved, but the handles impinge on the recessed edge space and limit caregiver mobility
Solution Approach 1:
The handles are designed to pivot between a first position extending laterally from the head portion and a second position extending along the rear wall of the recessed edge. This dynamic repositioning allows the handles to adapt to different operational needs, providing caregiver access when extended laterally and minimizing space occupation when positioned along the rear wall.
2Adaptability or versatility
If an intravenous pole is positioned on the head portion, then functionality is improved, but the pole impinges on the recessed edge space and interferes with lift arm operation
Solution Approach 1:
The intravenous pole is designed to pivot between a first position extending laterally from the head portion and a second position extending along the rear wall of the recessed edge. This dynamic repositioning allows the pole to provide functionality when extended laterally and minimize interference with lift arm operation when positioned along the rear wall.
Solution Approach 2:
The intravenous pole is positioned along the rear wall of the recessed edge when not in use, which is a preliminary arrangement that prevents interference with lift arm operation before the lift arms need to function. This pre-positioning ensures smooth operation of the lift arms without obstruction.
3Area of stationary object
If the recessed edge space is reduced, then caregiver access is improved, but handles and intravenous pole still interfere with lift arm operation
Solution Approach 1:
The handles and intravenous pole are designed to pivot to a second position extending along the rear wall of the recessed edge, which minimizes their occupation of the recessed edge space while preventing interference with lift arm operation. This dynamic repositioning allows the recessed edge space to be reduced without compromising lift arm functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
A patient support apparatus includes a base frame and an upper frame configured to support a mattress. The upper frame has a head portion including a recessed edge. Lift arms are coupled to the upper frame and configured to adjust a position of the upper frame. A first handle is coupled to the head portion on a first side of the recessed edge. A second handle is coupled to the head portion on a second side of the recessed edge. The first and second handles are configured to pivot inboard and toward one another to a lowered position extending over the upper frame adjacent to the recessed edge. An intravenous pole is pivotally coupled to the head portion and is adjustable between a deployed position and a stowed position. The intravenous pole extends along a rear wall of the recessed edge over the upper frame when in the stowed position.