Flush Bed Frame Hinge With Integrated Electrical Grounding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional bed frame hinges protrude, making them difficult to clean and creating areas for dirt and microbial accumulation, and the electrical wiring adds complexity and potential failure points in medical environments.
Innovation Solution
A hinge assembly with integral connecting members that present a flat surface, allowing for flush integration with frame struts and providing an electrically conductive path without external wires, using a conductive bush and optional spring elements for secure mechanical and electrical coupling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional hinges with bolts and nuts are used to connect frame portions, then the bed frame can be assembled and pivoted, but the hinges protrude beyond the frame elements creating areas for dirt accumulation and requiring covers
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge components (bolts, nuts, washers) are merged into a single integrated hinge assembly that fits within the plane of the frame elements. The hinge pin is received in a recess of one frame element, and the connecting plate is attached to another frame element, with both components positioned flush with the frame surfaces to eliminate protrusions.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge pin is nested within a recess formed in one of the frame elements, and the connecting plate is positioned within the plane of the frame elements. This nesting arrangement allows the hinge mechanism to function while remaining flush with the external surfaces of the frame, preventing dirt accumulation and eliminating the need for protective covers.
2Reliability
If electrical wires are provided to connect all metal components to ground, then electrical safety is ensured, but the wiring adds complexity to manufacture and structure
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical grounding function is merged with the mechanical hinge connection. The metal hinge components (hinge pin, connecting plate, frame elements) that are already present for mechanical purposes are utilized to provide the electrical conductive path to ground, eliminating the need for separate electrical wires and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge assembly performs multiple functions: it provides mechanical connection and pivoting capability, and simultaneously serves as the electrical grounding path. The metal components of the hinge are designed to be electrically conductive, allowing them to fulfill both structural and electrical safety requirements without requiring additional dedicated electrical components.
3Ease of manufacture
If hinges are provided with bolts and nuts passing through circular apertures, then frame portions can be connected, but extensive cleaning maintenance procedures are required to keep the bed in service
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge components are merged into a flush-mounted assembly where all parts are positioned within the plane of the frame elements. This integration eliminates protruding parts that would trap dirt and make cleaning difficult, allowing maintenance personnel to easily wipe down the frame surfaces without needing to disassemble or extensively clean hinge areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge pin is nested within a recess and the connecting plate is positioned within the frame element plane, creating a smooth, flush surface that prevents dirt accumulation. This nesting design allows the entire hinge assembly to be cleaned as part of the normal frame surface cleaning process, significantly reducing maintenance time and keeping the bed in service longer.
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
The solution prevents dirt accumulation, reduces the need for covers, and ensures reliable electrical connectivity, enhancing maintenance efficiency and reducing the risk of microbial contamination while simplifying the bed's structure.
Implementation Method 1
The hinge assembly includes an electrically conductive hinge bush provided between the first and second hinge parts
Implementation Method 2
The bush is preferably an interference fit with one of the hinge parts and abuts the other hinge part
Data Source
AI summary
A hinge assembly (32-36) for a frame assembly (20) of for example, a hospital bed, has a smooth outer form which substantially conforms to the outer size of frame assembly struts to which it couples. The hinge assembly (32-36) has its components located internally and provides at least one reliable electrically conductive path therethrough so as to provide an electrical connection between frame struts (24-30) coupled together by the hinge (32-36), avoiding the need for electrical wires. There are provided angle markers on the hinge to indicate the degree of rotation of the hinge halves (50 52).