Adjustable Care Bed Actuation for Height Change Without Footprint Growth
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing adjustable bed systems lack the ability to adjust height and articulate without changing their footprint, and they often require manual operation or complex mechanisms for achieving desired positions like Trendelenburg and reverse-Trendelenburg positions.
Innovation Solution
The adjustable bed system incorporates a frame with four actuators arranged in a diagonal configuration, a second articulatable frame with pivotable sections, and a locking mechanism, allowing for height adjustment and articulation without expanding the bed's dimensions, and enabling positions like Trendelenburg and reverse-Trendelenburg through independent actuator control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If manual operation via hand crank is used, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of operation deteriorates and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual hand crank mechanical system with an electric motor-driven actuator system. Motors are mounted on the frame and connected to the leg assemblies through linkages, enabling automatic height adjustment and articulation control. This substitution eliminates the need for manual cranking while providing precise, easy-to-control movement through electrical switches or controls.
2Ease of operation
If electric motor with actuators is used, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electric motor and actuator system is designed to perform multiple functions: height adjustment, articulation control, and positioning in various medical positions (Trendelenburg, reverse-Trendelenburg, Fowler's position). A single integrated motor assembly with linkages controls both the leg assembly movement and frame articulation, reducing the need for separate mechanisms for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the motor, actuator, and linkage mechanisms into integrated assemblies mounted on the frame. The actuators are positioned to simultaneously control multiple degrees of freedom through clever mechanical linkages, merging what could be separate complex systems into unified control stations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If height adjustment is achieved, then adaptability is improved, but footprint stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The bed system incorporates dynamic adjustment capabilities where the leg assemblies and frame can move relative to each other through controlled articulation. The mechanism allows the bed to transition between multiple positions (flat, Trendelenburg, reverse-Trendelenburg, Fowler's) while the overall footprint remains bounded by the frame's external dimensions. The dynamic components are contained within the frame structure, preventing footprint expansion.
4Adaptability or versatility
If articulation is achieved without changing footprint, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The articulation mechanism operates in angular dimensions rather than linear displacement. The leg assemblies pivot at joints to achieve articulation in multiple planes, allowing the bed to assume various positions (head elevation, foot elevation, lateral tilt) without changing the horizontal footprint. This dimensional approach to movement efficiency reduces the complexity compared to linear mechanisms that would require extension and retraction.
Data Source
AI summary
An adjustable bed system includes a first frame having four actuators coupled thereto and disposed between the head and foot ends thereof. The actuators define a generally-rectangular configuration wherein first and third actuators are diagonally-opposed and wherein second and fourth actuators are diagonally-opposed. A second frame coupled to the first frame includes a first section secured to the first frame, a second section pivotably coupled to the first section towards the head end of the first frame, and a third section pivotably coupled to the first section towards the foot end of the first frame. The first and third actuators arc coupled to the second and third sections, respectively, for articulating the second and third sections, respectively. First and second leg assemblies are coupled to the second and fourth actuators, respectively, for selectively raising and lowering the first frame.