Deck Extension Assembly Latch Pin Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional patient support apparatuses with deck extension assemblies require significant time and physical exertion to secure and move the deck extension section between retracted and extended positions, leading to inefficiencies in patient care settings.
Innovation Solution
A patient support apparatus featuring a deck extension assembly with a latch pin system that engages proximal and distal notches, allowing for easy movement between positions through a handle-activated mechanism, reducing the need for manual effort and time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the deck extension section is secured using conventional securing mechanisms, then the deck extension section can be held in retracted or extended positions, but the securing and freeing process is time consuming and requires significant physical exertion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical securing mechanisms (such as manual latches or clamps requiring significant force) with a cable-driven pulley system. The cable is routed through a pulley attached to the deck extension section and anchored to the support frame, allowing securing and freeing operations to be performed with minimal physical exertion by simply pulling or releasing the cable.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a cable as an intermediary element between the user and the deck extension section. Instead of directly manipulating heavy securing mechanisms, the user interacts with the lightweight cable, which transmits the securing force through the pulley system to hold the deck extension section in place, significantly reducing the time and effort required.
2Device complexity
If the deck extension assembly uses simple sliding mechanisms, then the structure remains simple, but the deck extension section cannot be securely held in position without complex securing systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical securing systems with a simple cable-and-pulley arrangement. The pulley is attached to the deck extension section, and the cable is routed through it and anchored to the support frame. This substitution maintains structural simplicity while providing reliable securing capability through the mechanical advantage of the pulley system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the securing function from complex mechanical components and implements it through a minimalistic cable system. By removing unnecessary mechanical complexity and retaining only the essential elements (cable, pulley, anchor points), the design achieves both simplicity and reliability in securing the deck extension section.
Data Source
AI summary
A patient support apparatus includes a support frame that carries a patient support deck comprising a plurality of sections and a deck extension assembly including a deck extension frame that supports a deck extension section. The assembly is movable between an extended position and a retracted position. The support frame includes a deck rail defining a channel and a deck slot extending between a proximal and distal deck notch. The deck extension frame includes an extension rail that is moveably disposed in the channel and a frame slot. A latch link comprises a link slot and is moveably mounted to the deck extension frame. A latch pin is movably supported in each of the deck slot, frame slot, and link slot. The latch pin engages the distal deck notch when the assembly is in the extended position and the proximal deck notch when the assembly is in the retracted position.