Examination Table Retractable Wheels for Mobility and Stable Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical examination tables lack efficient and user-friendly mechanisms for easy mobility and stable support during both stationary and mobile operations, particularly when supporting patient weight and movement.
Innovation Solution
The examination table includes a retractable system for easy mobility and stable support during both stationary and mobile operations, particularly when supporting a patient weight and movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If fixed wheels are used for mobility, then the table can be moved, but it cannot provide stable support during both stationary and mobile operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a retractable wheel system that dynamically adjusts between extended and retracted positions. When the table is stationary, the wheels retract to provide stable support. When movement is needed, the wheels extend to enable mobility. This dynamic transformation allows the table to adapt between stable support and easy mobility requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The wheel system is segmented into retractable wheels and fixed wheels, allowing independent functionality. The retractable wheels can be extended or retracted based on operational needs, while the fixed wheels provide continuous support. This segmentation enables the table to maintain stability during stationary operations while achieving mobility when required.
2Ease of operation
If retractable wheels are added for easy mobility, then user effort is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retractable wheels are nested within the table base structure, allowing them to be stored inside the base when not in use. This nesting mechanism reduces the overall complexity by integrating the mobility function within the existing structure rather than adding external components. The wheels can be easily extended from the base when mobility is needed and retracted when stability is required.
Solution Approach 2:
The retractable wheel system serves multiple functions: it provides mobility when extended, maintains stability when retracted, and integrates within the base structure. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate mechanisms, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining ease of operation.
3Ease of operation
If the table is designed for easy mobility, then it can be moved with minimal effort, but it may compromise stable support during patient examination
Solution Approach 1:
The wheel system dynamically transitions between extended and retracted states based on operational requirements. During patient examination, the wheels retract to provide stable support. When the table needs to be moved, the wheels extend to enable easy mobility. This dynamic adjustment ensures that stability is maintained during stationary operations while mobility is achieved when required.
Solution Approach 2:
The system prepares for mobility by extending the retractable wheels in advance when movement is needed, and prepares for stability by retracting the wheels before patient examination. This preliminary action ensures that the table is in the appropriate state for the upcoming operation, maintaining both ease of mobility and support stability as needed.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of moving an examination table including activating an actuator from a user interface located in front of an examination table to move a pair of retractable wheels from a retracted position to an extended position; and moving the examination table on the pair of retractable wheels and a pair of front wheels by exerting a force on a front portion of the examination table.