Hospital Bed Height Control for Extra-Low Safe Lowering
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Hospital beds that can be lowered below 40 centimeters pose challenges for care procedures, as patient hoists and stretchers typically operate at this height, requiring staff to manually adjust the bed, which is inefficient and can interfere with medical equipment.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for controlling bed height using distinct control inputs, where a first input lowers the bed to a standard operating height of 38-45 centimeters and a secondary, complex input, such as a double button press, lowers it to an extra low height of around 30 centimeters, with reduced speed to prevent accidental lowering and protect underlying equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the bed is lowered below 40 centimeters to assist patient mobility, then patient comfort and ease of transfer is improved, but interference with medical equipment and hoists occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements distinct height parameters (first height around 38-45cm, second height around 30cm) that can be selectively applied. The control system changes the bed height parameter based on the control input received, allowing the bed to operate at different height levels for different purposes - standard height for medical procedures and extra low height for patient transfer assistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the bed height dynamic and adjustable through electrically operated actuators controlled by distinct control inputs. The system can transition between different height states (standard operating height and extra low height) based on operational needs, rather than being fixed at a single height.
2Ease of operation
If the bed is lowered to extra low height with simple control input, then ease of operation is improved, but risk of accidental lowering and equipment damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the control input into distinct types (first control input for standard height, second control input for extra low height). This segmentation ensures that the extra low height function, which carries higher risk, can only be activated by a specific, deliberate control input rather than a simple single button press.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by requiring a distinct, deliberate control input (such as a specific button combination or sequence) to prevent accidental activation of the extra low height lowering function. This preliminary control measure counteracts the potential harmful action of unintended bed lowering that could damage equipment or create safety hazards.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the bed lowering speed is reduced to monitor equipment, then equipment safety is improved, but time required for height adjustment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by using distinct control inputs that trigger different lowering sequences. The second control input for extra low height activates a controlled lowering process that moves at reduced speed only when specifically requested, rather than continuously operating at slow speed. This allows rapid positioning when needed while protecting equipment during deliberate extra low height adjustments.
Data Source
AI summary
A bed assembly includes a wheeled base, a sub-frame and mattress support frame. The sub-frame supports a plurality of electrically operated actuators which provide for raising and lowering of the bed. The bed can be lowered to a first low position in which the bed frame is around 38 to 45 centimetres above floor height and to a lower position in which the frame is around 30 centimetres above floor height. The bed is lowered to the first height upon receipt of a first command input and can only be lowered below that first height upon receipt of a second control input distinct from the first control input. Preferably, the bed is lowered at a slower speed from the first low height to its lowermost position.