Hospital Bed Siderail Mechanism for Flexible Storage Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing person-support apparatuses, such as hospital beds, lack efficient mechanisms for siderail movement between deployed and storage positions, limiting flexibility and space optimization.
Innovation Solution
A siderail mechanism that includes a frame with movable sections and guides, allowing siderails to transition between positions independently of each other, enabling deployment and storage configurations that maintain orientation and create space between siderails.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If siderails are fixed to the frame, then structural stability is improved, but flexibility and space optimization deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The siderail system is divided into multiple independent segments (first siderail and second siderail) that can move independently along the frame. Each siderail is coupled to the frame through separate guides, allowing individual movement between deployed and storage positions without affecting the other siderail or the frame structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the static, fixed siderail design into a dynamic system where siderails can move between different positions. The guides and coupling mechanisms enable the siderails to transition smoothly between deployed and storage positions, providing adaptability while maintaining structural integrity throughout the movement.
2Adaptability or versatility
If siderails are made movable between deployed and storage positions, then flexibility is improved, but device complexity worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The movement function is extracted from the siderail body itself and implemented through separate guide structures coupled to the frame. The guides provide the movement path while the siderails simply follow these paths, simplifying the overall design by separating the movement mechanism from the siderail structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The guides serve multiple functions: they define the movement path for the siderails, provide structural support during movement, and enable both the first and second siderails to move independently. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional complex mechanisms.
3Volume of moving object
If siderails move independently of frame sections, then space optimization is improved, but reliability worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The guides act as intermediary structures between the frame and the movable siderails. These guides provide a controlled path that ensures reliable movement while allowing the siderails to achieve optimized space utilization in storage positions. The guides mediate between the stationary frame and the moving siderails, maintaining reliability during independent movement.
Data Source
AI summary
A person-support apparatus comprises a frame, a first siderail, and a second siderail. The frame includes a first support section and a second support section. The first support section is configured to pivot between a first support position and a second support position with respect to the second support section. The first siderail is coupled to the first support section and configured to move therewith. The second siderail is coupled to the frame and is configured to move along the frame between a first position and a second position. The second siderail is configured to be positioned adjacent to the second support section in the first position, and adjacent to the first support section and below the first siderail in the second position.