Extendable Fluid Conduit for Reconfigurable Patient Bed Frames
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing patient support systems with inflatable mattresses and fluid pressure supply units face challenges in reconfiguration, as excess fluid conduit length can be unsightly and cumbersome, complicating the motion of working components during configuration changes.
Innovation Solution
A patient support system with a frame that transitions between configurations via movable portions, utilizing a fluid conduit with convolutions that elongate up to twice its initial length, maintaining fluid communication and naturally returning to its original state when tension is relieved, allowing for reconfiguration without compromising fluid pressure supply.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If excess length of fluid conduit is included to accommodate different frame configurations, then the bed can be reconfigured between multiple positions, but the excess conduit length becomes unsightly, cumbersome, and complicates the motion of working components
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid conduit is designed with dynamic characteristics, specifically incorporating convolutions that allow it to elongate and contract as the frame reconfigures. The conduit transitions from a static fixed-length design to a dynamic variable-length design that adapts to different frame configurations, eliminating the need for excess conduit length while maintaining reconfigurability.
Solution Approach 2:
The physical parameters of the fluid conduit are changed by incorporating convolutions that alter its effective length. The conduit's length parameter becomes variable rather than fixed, allowing it to elongate when the frame extends between configurations and contract when the frame returns to its original position, thus resolving the contradiction between adaptability and device complexity.
2Reliability
If the fluid conduit is made longer to accommodate frame extension, then fluid communication is maintained during reconfiguration, but the conduit may dangle under the bed or need to be coiled on the floor
Solution Approach 1:
The conduit's shape and length are made dynamic through the convolution structure. As the frame reconfigures and the distance between ports changes, the conduit dynamically adjusts its effective length by elongating or contracting the convolutions, preventing dangling or coiling while maintaining continuous fluid communication throughout the motion range.
Solution Approach 2:
The convolution structure effectively nests the conduit within itself when contracted, allowing the conduit to compactly store its excess length within the frame structure rather than dangling externally. The convolutions nest together when the frame is in its retracted configuration, eliminating the need for external coiling while preserving fluid communication capability.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables seamless reconfiguration of patient support systems by maintaining fluid communication and accommodating different frame configurations, reducing visual and operational clutter while ensuring consistent fluid pressure delivery.
Implementation Method 1
The fluid conduit is configured with a resiliency to naturally return toward the first length
Implementation Method 2
The axial dimension of each of the convolutions is variable in response to different forces exerted on each of the convolutions, which variable axial dimension enables the fluid conduit to transition between the first length and the second length
Data Source
AI summary
A patient support system including a frame having first and second portions, at least one of them movable with respect to the other to transition the frame between a first configuration and a second configuration. A first port is coupled to the first portion of the frame, and a second port disposed with the second portion of the frame, such that a distance between the first port and the second port changes when the frame transitions between the first and second configurations. A fluid conduit is arranged between the first port and the second port and configured to transition between a first length and a second length, longer than the first length, when the frame is transitioned between the first and second configurations. The fluid conduit is configured with a resiliency to naturally return toward the first length. A method of using a patient support system is also included.