Translatable Bed Lift Carriage for Low-Profile Frame Elevation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bed lift systems in healthcare settings face challenges in achieving a compact design that allows for a sufficiently low minimum elevation of the elevatable frame, especially when the vertical separation between frames is small, which limits space and interferes with bulky components.
Innovation Solution
A bed frame assembly with a lift system featuring a carriage-mounted actuator, a pivotable lift arm, and a part span connector that allows for longitudinal translation and rotation, enabling efficient vertical adjustment of the elevatable frame relative to the base frame, accommodating compactness and reducing operational demands on actuators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a compact lift mechanism is used to reduce space occupation, then the minimum elevation of the elevatable frame is reduced, but the device complexity increases due to the need for precise pivotable joints and actuator configuration
Solution Approach 1:
The lift mechanism employs a dynamic carriage that translates along the base frame to adjust the elevation of the elevatable frame. The carriage is longitudinally translatably mounted on the base frame, allowing the lift arm and actuator to move to different positions. This dynamic adjustment capability enables the system to achieve a low minimum elevation while maintaining operational flexibility and reducing the need for overly complex fixed-geometry mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The lift system is divided into distinct functional segments: a base frame, an elevatable frame, a translateable carriage, a pivotable lift arm, and an actuator. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, simplifying the overall design. The carriage can translate to different positions, the lift arm can pivot independently, and the actuator can be positioned optimally, reducing the need for complex integrated mechanisms.
2Area of stationary object
If the carriage is made longitudinally translatably mounted on the base frame, then the space efficiency is improved and low minimum elevation is achieved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase for ensuring smooth translation and proper alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The carriage acts as an intermediary component between the base frame and the lift arm. It provides a mounting platform for the actuator and lift arm while translating along the base frame. This intermediary structure simplifies the connection between the stationary base frame and the moving elevatable frame, allowing for easier manufacturing and assembly. The carriage's translation mechanism can be implemented using standard rail-and-slider or wheel-and-rail configurations, which are well-established and do not require ultra-precision manufacturing.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the actuator is mounted on the moving carriage, then the adaptability of the lift system is improved, but the reliability decreases due to the actuator being subject to motion and potential misalignment
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator is mounted on the carriage, which moves dynamically along the base frame. This dynamic mounting allows the actuator to maintain an optimal position relative to the lift arm throughout the elevation range. The carriage's motion is constrained by the base frame's translation guides, ensuring that the actuator remains properly aligned with the lift arm's pivot point. This dynamic configuration enhances adaptability while maintaining reliability through controlled motion paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The carriage serves multiple functions: it provides a mounting platform for the actuator, supports the lift arm pivot, and translates along the base frame to adjust the system's geometry. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components and simplifies the overall structure. The universal design of the carriage allows it to accommodate different actuator types and configurations, enhancing system adaptability without compromising reliability.
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
The solution enables the elevatable frame to be adjusted to a fully raised, lowered, or intermediate position, optimizing space usage and achieving a satisfactorily low minimum elevation, while maintaining efficient operation and accommodating additional equipment, thus enhancing the bed's versatility and usability.
Implementation Method 1
a pivotable joint A and connected to the elevatable frame by a lift arm connector. The lift system also includes an actuator mounted on the carriage at a juncture B and connected to the lift arm such that operation of the actuator rotates the lift arm about a crank axis.
Implementation Method 2
The lift system effectively reduces the operational demands on actuators, allowing for a lower fully lowered elevation of the elevatable frame while maintaining a compact design
Data Source
AI summary
A bed frame assembly includes a base frame 32, an elevatable frame 40 and a lift system 80. The lift system includes a carriage 82 longitudinally translatably mounted on the base frame and a lift arm 84 having a crank end 86 and a remote end 88. The crank end of the lift arm is mounted to the carriage at a pivotable joint A for pivoting about a laterally extending crank axis 100. The remote end of the lift arm is connected to the elevatable frame by a lift arm connector 102, which may take various forms. The lift system also includes an actuator 120 mounted on the carriage at a juncture B and connected to the lift arm such that operation of the actuator rotates the lift arm about the crank axis. The lift system also includes a part span connector 130 pivotably connected to the lift arm at a joint D and pivotably connected to the base frame at a joint C. In one embodiment the lift arm connector is a single link 132. In another embodiment the lift arm connector comprises multiple links such as first and second links 144, 146.