Adjustable Guard Rail With Telescoping Cylinders
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bed guard rails are not easily removable or adjustable, leading to increased physical workload for caregivers and can cause bedding to fall or get jammed, posing a risk to bedridden individuals.
Innovation Solution
A guard rail system featuring telescoping cylinders and a plate element with adjustable height, secured by fastening means that allow for secure attachment and easy adjustment, enabling continuous height adjustment and easy removal, with a control panel for operation and an optional battery for emergency use, and a plate element made of durable materials like polycarbonate or fabric to prevent injury and bedding loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional guard rail with two parallel rods is used, then it can be easily removed and collapsed, but it causes bedding to fall through the gaps and get jammed, and provides poor support comfort
Solution Approach 1:
The guard rail is divided into multiple vertical elements or bars spaced at specific intervals. This segmentation allows the rail to maintain structural integrity while creating a barrier that prevents bedding from passing through, yet maintains visibility and access for caregiving operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The vertical spacing between bars is carefully controlled within specific parameter ranges that prevent bedding entrapment while maintaining ease of operation. The bar diameter and spacing parameters are optimized to balance safety, comfort, and operational ease.
2Reliability
If a fixed height guard rail is used, then it provides stable protection, but it cannot be adjusted to accommodate different patient needs and bed positions
Solution Approach 1:
The guard rail incorporates adjustable height mechanisms that allow the barrier height to be dynamically changed according to patient size, bed position, and specific care requirements. This dynamic adjustment capability maintains reliable protection while adapting to varying operational conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The guard rail system is designed to serve multiple functions: providing safety barriers, preventing bedding entrapment, accommodating different patient sizes, and working with various bed configurations. This multi-functionality is achieved through adjustable components and universal mounting options.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the guard rail is made with closely spaced vertical elements to prevent bedding loss, then bedding safety is improved, but the physical workload for caregivers increases due to reduced accessibility
Solution Approach 1:
The vertical elements are strategically positioned with varying spacing patterns - closer spacing in areas where bedding entrapment risk is highest, and slightly wider spacing where caregiver access is needed. This local variation in quality optimizes both safety and accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The guard rail design incorporates pre-planned access points and appropriately spaced elements that anticipate caregiver needs before operation begins. The spacing and element placement are predetermined to facilitate common caregiving tasks while maintaining safety.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention concerns a guard rail for mounting on a bed, where the guard rail includes a plate element which in the situation of use has an upper, approximately horizontal edge, where the plate element has a front side and a back side, the front side facing away from the bed in the situation of use; one or more largely vertically arranged telescoping cylinders, the telescoping cylinders disposed in the situation of use along opposing ends of the plate element, the telescoping cylinders further including fastening means for securing the telescoping cylinders to the bed; and a rod which is mounted on the plate element and which at each end is adapted to engage suspension means fastened on the telescoping cylinders.