Powered Bed Width Extenders Using Lead Screw Wing Actuation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing hospital beds with powered width expansion wings suffer from bulkiness, weight, and high cost due to hydraulic cylinders or linear actuators, and there is a need for more compact, lightweight, and cost-effective systems that can be retrofitted onto existing beds.

Innovation Solution

A bed system utilizing a motor assembly, lead screws, and oppositely handed lead screw receivers to power the width expansion wings, with a retrofit kit for upgrading manually operable wings, including a motor assembly, bracket, and lead screw set.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If hydraulic cylinders or linear actuators are used to power width expansion wings, then the wings can be powered to expand and retract, but the system becomes bulky, heavy, and expensive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepowered width expansionVSAvoidweight of bed system

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces hydraulic cylinders and linear actuators with a motor assembly that uses a lead screw mechanism. The motor assembly includes a motor, lead screw, and lead screw receiver that convert rotational motion to linear motion, providing a more compact and lighter solution for powering the width expansion wings compared to traditional hydraulic or actuator systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the mechanical parameters by using a lead screw mechanism with specific thread characteristics to achieve the desired linear motion from rotational motor motion. The lead screw receiver is positioned at a specific distance from the motor assembly, and the lead screw has specific thread parameters that optimize the conversion efficiency and mechanical advantage for the wing expansion application

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Extent of automation

If hydraulic cylinders or linear actuators are used to power width expansion wings, then the wings can be powered to expand and retract, but the system becomes bulky and expensive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepowered width expansionVSAvoidcomplexity of powered system

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex hydraulic cylinders and linear actuators with a simpler motor assembly using a lead screw mechanism. This substitution reduces the number of moving parts, eliminates hydraulic fluid systems, and simplifies the overall structure while maintaining the automated width expansion function

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent divides the powered system into distinct modular components: the motor assembly, the lead screw, the lead screw receiver, and the wing structure. This segmentation allows for easier manufacturing, assembly, maintenance, and replacement of individual components, reducing overall system complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Weight of stationary object

If a motor assembly with lead screw is used, then the system becomes compact and lightweight, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveweight of bed systemVSAvoidprecision of lead screw and receiver

Core Design Contradiction:

Weight of stationary objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The lead screw mechanism provides self-aligning and self-adjusting characteristics where the threaded engagement automatically maintains proper positioning during operation. The lead screw receiver is positioned at a specific distance from the motor assembly, and the threaded connection self-corrects minor manufacturing variations, reducing the stringency of precision requirements compared to direct drive mechanisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Device complexity

If manual operation of wings is used, then the system remains simple and inexpensive, but the ease of operation decreases and requires manual labor

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of systemVSAvoidease of wing deployment

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The motor assembly provides automated operation of the width expansion wings, eliminating the need for manual labor while maintaining system simplicity. The motor automatically drives the lead screw to extend or retract the wings according to control signals, significantly improving ease of operation compared to manual deployment while adding minimal complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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

Provides a compact, lightweight, and cost-effective solution for powering width expansion wings, allowing easy retrofitting and maintenance, while maintaining reliability and simplicity.

Implementation Method 1

a lead screw coupled to the motor assembly and to a lead screw receiver nonmovably associated with the other of the fixed width section and the wing

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLead screw mechanism: Screw

Data Source

PatentUS20260076850A1Patient support apparatus having powered width extenders

Publication Date: 2026.03.19 HILL ROM SERVICES INC

AI summary

A bed comprises a fixed width deck section, a wing movably coupled to the fixed width section, and a mechanism for extending and retracting the wing.