Translatable Bed Lift Carriage for Low-Elevation Frame Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bed lift mechanisms in hospital and healthcare settings are not compact enough to efficiently utilize limited space between the base frame and the elevatable frame, limiting the ability to achieve a low minimum elevation of the elevatable frame, especially when the vertical separation between the frames is small.
Innovation Solution
A bed frame assembly with a lift system that includes a carriage-mounted actuator connected to a pivotable lift arm, a part span connector, and a pivotable joint system, allowing for efficient vertical adjustment of the elevatable frame relative to the base frame, accommodating compact design and reducing operational demands on the actuator.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If a compact lift mechanism is used to reduce the minimum elevation of the elevatable frame, then the vertical space utilization is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lift system is divided into multiple functional components: a carriage that translates along the base frame, a lift arm that pivots to provide vertical motion, and a part-span connector that links the lift arm to the elevatable frame. This segmentation allows each component to perform a specific function efficiently, achieving compact overall dimensions while managing complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The carriage is mounted to translate horizontally along the base frame rather than vertically, converting vertical lift motion into a combination of horizontal translation and vertical pivoting. This dimensional change allows the actuator to operate in a more spacious horizontal plane while achieving vertical elevation, reducing the minimum elevation requirement without excessive complexity
2Volume of moving object
If the vertical separation between base frame and elevatable frame is reduced, then space efficiency is improved, but the operational demands on the actuator increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses dynamic motion paths where the carriage translates horizontally while the lift arm pivots, creating a changing mechanical advantage throughout the elevation range. This dynamic configuration allows the actuator to operate with more favorable force requirements compared to a direct vertical lift, reducing power demands while maintaining compact vertical separation
Solution Approach 2:
The part-span connector acts as an intermediary between the lift arm and the elevatable frame, providing a pivot point that allows the lift arm to rotate while maintaining connection to the frame. This intermediary mechanism distributes forces more effectively, reducing the direct operational demands on the actuator while achieving the desired compact vertical separation
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 lift system enables precise and efficient vertical adjustment of the bed frame, allowing for a satisfactorily low minimum elevation of the elevatable frame while optimizing space usage, accommodating various bed configurations and equipment, and reducing the operational demands on the actuator.
Implementation Method 1
a carriage, longitudinally translatably mounted on the base frame, and a lift arm mounted to the carriage at a pivotable joint A and connected to the elevatable frame by a lift arm connector
Implementation Method 2
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 3
a part span connector pivotably connected to the lift arm at a joint D and pivotably connected to the base frame at a joint C
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.