Bed side support structure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bedside support structures fail to provide adequate support for individuals with limited mobility, particularly elderly people or those with disabilities, to prevent falls from the bed, and are often complex and difficult to configure.
Innovation Solution
A bedside support structure comprising a support assembly with a horizontal and vertical support bar configuration, laminated with cushioning, easily attachable to the side of a bed using a base assembly with wheels and locking mechanism, providing adjustable height and secure fastening, designed to prevent falls and enhance comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a rigid frame structure with multiple support bars is used, then support reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is divided into modular components: a base assembly with locking wheels, a vertical support bar, and a horizontal support bar. These segmented parts can be easily assembled and configured to different bed heights, providing reliable support while maintaining simplicity in manufacturing and assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The base assembly with locking wheels serves multiple functions: it provides stable grounding, enables easy repositioning of the device to different bed locations, and allows height adjustment through the locking mechanism. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components, simplifying the overall device while maintaining reliability.
2Ease of operation
If cushioning material is added to the support structure, then user comfort is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cushioning material is integrated directly onto the horizontal support bar, merging the comfort function with the existing structural component. This eliminates the need for separate cushioning assemblies or complex attachment mechanisms, thereby improving user comfort while maintaining ease of manufacture.
3Ease of operation
If a simple base assembly with wheels is used, then ease of operation is improved, but stability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The base assembly incorporates locking wheels that can dynamically transition between locked and unlocked states. When unlocked, the wheels enable easy repositioning of the device; when locked, they provide stable grounding to prevent unintended movement during use. This dynamic capability resolves the contradiction between ease of repositioning and operational stability.
Data Source
AI summary
A bedside support structure including a support assembly and a base assembly is disclosed herein. The support assembly includes a cushioned portion and a support structure. The base assembly includes an outer base and an inner base portion. The inner base portion is adjustable from the outer base portion such that a user may configure the height of the bedside support structure. The base assembly further includes an elongated arm that is pivotably mounted to one end of the outer base. The other end of the elongated arm is pivotably mounted to the opposite end of the support structure. The pivot configuration allows a user to adjust the height of the support structure as needed to fit the height of the bed of an individual. The bedside support structure provides a structural support for users of limited mobility to aid the users in sitting beside a bed.