Hospital Bed Rail Tablet Mount With Articulating Arm Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Patients in hospitals often struggle to use or access electronic devices due to limited mobility or inconvenient placement, as these devices are not securely attached to hospital beds, leading to difficulties in communication, education, and entertainment.
Innovation Solution
A device that securely attaches an electronic device, such as a tablet, to a hospital bed side rail using a connector and articulating arm, allowing flexible positioning and including detachable power and communication cords for easy access and use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If an electronic device is placed on a hospital bed without secure attachment, then the device is easily accessible to patients, but the device may be stolen or accidentally dropped
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting device is divided into separate components: a connector that attaches to the bed frame, an articulating arm for positioning, and a holder for the electronic device. This segmentation allows the security function (connector to bed frame) to be separated from the accessibility function (articulating arm positioning), resolving the contradiction between secure attachment and easy access.
2Reliability
If the electronic device holder is fixed in position, then the device is stable and secure, but the patient cannot adjust it to a convenient viewing position
Solution Approach 1:
The articulating arm incorporates dynamic elements including telescopic sections for length adjustment, articulating joints for angle adjustment, and a locking mechanism. This allows the holder to be dynamically repositioned to various angles and distances while maintaining stability when locked in place, resolving the contradiction between fixed stability and adjustable positioning.
3Reliability
If the connector is designed to fit a particular side rail configuration, then it provides a secure fit, but it cannot be used with different sized or styled rails
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is designed with universal adaptability through adjustable clamping mechanisms and multiple attachment configurations. It can securely attach to various rail types (vertical, horizontal, rounded, rectangular) by adjusting the clamping force and attachment point, allowing one connector design to serve multiple functions across different bed configurations while maintaining secure fit.
4Strength
If the arm is made rigid for structural strength, then it provides stable support, but it cannot be positioned at various angles relative to the patient
Solution Approach 1:
The arm uses an articulating design with multiple joints that allow bending and positioning at various angles. Each joint includes a locking mechanism that engages with teeth or detents on the arm segments. When locked, the joints provide rigid structural support; when unlocked, they allow flexible repositioning. This dynamic design resolves the contradiction between rigid strength and flexible positioning.
Data Source
AI summary
A device for attaching a digital device to a hospital bed side rail. The device includes a connector for attaching to the side rail, an arm connected to the connector, and an electronic device holder at an opposite end of the arm. The electronic device holder is configured to receive a digital device, such as a tablet, laptop computer, phone, or other electronic device. The arm is, in embodiments, articulating, flexible, rotatable, and/or otherwise configurable to allow positioning of the electronic device holder in a desired position relative to the patient. Thus, after the connector is attached to the side rail, the arm can be moved to position and support the electronic device holder relative to a patient.