Birthing Bed Limb Support With Dual-Axis Lock Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing birthing bed accessories fail to adequately support patients' limbs during obstetric labor and delivery, particularly in reclining positions, where knee flexure is necessary for optimal delivery positioning.
Innovation Solution
A limb support system for birthing beds that includes adjustable foot supports and leg supports, capable of pivoting on both vertical and horizontal axes, with locking mechanisms that can be released by a caregiver for precise positioning, and a ball-lock mechanism for secure support of the legs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a limb support apparatus is added to allow knee flexure and adjustable positioning, then patient positioning capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The limb support apparatus is nested within the birthing bed structure, with foot supports integrated into the bed frame and leg supports attachable to the foot supports. This nesting approach allows the addition of positioning functionality without requiring a completely separate apparatus, thereby improving adaptability while controlling complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning system is divided into segmented components: foot supports with first positioning mechanisms, leg supports with second positioning mechanisms, and various attachable elements. This segmentation allows each component to be independently adjusted and positioned, providing versatile patient positioning capability while keeping individual components relatively simple.
2Stability of the object's composition
If multiple locking mechanisms and actuators are added to secure limb supports at various positions, then positioning stability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple locking mechanisms are merged into integrated actuation systems. The foot supports include first locking mechanisms that can be actuated together, and leg supports include second locking mechanisms that can be actuated together. This merging reduces the number of separate controls the caregiver must manipulate, improving ease of operation while maintaining positioning stability through the combined locking action.
3Adaptability or versatility
If adjustable foot supports and leg supports are implemented, then patient comfort and positioning optimization are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The foot supports and leg supports are designed with dynamic adjustability, allowing caregivers to reposition them during labor and delivery as patient needs change. The first and second positioning mechanisms enable continuous adjustment of support positions and orientations, providing optimal positioning adaptability while using relatively simple mechanical adjustment systems.
Data Source
AI summary
A limb support coupled to a patient-support apparatus comprises a frame having a pair of locks to block vertical and horizontal pivoting of the limb support in relation to the patient-support apparatus. The lock release actuator is configured to be coupled to the frame to simultaneously unlock both the vertical and horizontal rotation locks. The limb support includes a stowable leg support configured to provide support to the leg of a patient during obstetric delivery.