Patient Support Deck Extension Handle Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional patient support apparatuses lack a practical and simple mechanism for extending the patient support deck, requiring significant force and often two people to operate, which is time-consuming and not hygienic, especially in healthcare settings.
Innovation Solution
A deck extension assembly with a handle under the bearing crossbar, featuring telescopically coupled connecting members and a locking mechanism that allows easy extension and retraction with minimal force, designed for single-handed operation and reduced component complexity to minimize failures and maintain hygiene.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional extension mechanisms are used, then the patient support deck can be extended, but significant force and two people are required to operate it, making it time-consuming and non-hygienic
Solution Approach 1:
The extension mechanism is designed to be self-operating through a handle system that allows a single person to extend the deck by pulling the handle, eliminating the need for two people to manually manipulate the extension mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex multi-person mechanical manipulation with a simplified handle-operated system that uses leverage and mechanical advantage to reduce the effort required and enable single-person operation
2Ease of operation
If conventional extension mechanisms are used, then the patient support deck can be extended, but large force must be exerted, increasing operational difficulty
Solution Approach 1:
The handle acts as an intermediary tool that mediates between the operator and the extension mechanism, providing mechanical advantage and reducing the direct force requirement from the operator to the extension system
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanism uses dynamic leverage and mechanical advantage through the handle system to convert small input force into the larger output force needed to move the extension, making the system adaptable to varying operational conditions
3Adaptability or versatility
If complex extension mechanisms are used, then the patient support deck can be extended, but production costs and maintenance needs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates unnecessary intermediate components from conventional extension mechanisms, retaining only the essential elements (handle, extending section, locking mechanism) needed to achieve the extension function, thereby reducing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The handle serves multiple functions: it operates the extension mechanism, provides a locking interface, and serves as a structural element, reducing the need for separate dedicated components for each function
4Adaptability or versatility
If conventional extension mechanisms are used, then the patient support deck can be extended, but hygiene standards are compromised in healthcare settings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes complex mechanical interfaces and multiple contact points from conventional extension mechanisms, leaving a simplified system with fewer surfaces that could contaminate, thereby improving hygiene suitability for healthcare environments
Data Source
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AI summary
A patient support apparatus comprises a deck extension assembly having a handle or more handles located on the support frame. The deck extension part is configured to extend and retract relative to the support frame by pulling the handle easily by one hand and with exerting minimum force that is necessary to extend the patient support deck.