Hospital Bed Brake and Elevation Control Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current hospital beds face challenges such as inconvenient and unsafe foot brake systems, slow movement mechanisms, complex emergency overrides, limited speed adjustments, and issues with side rail stability and power management, which hinder efficient patient care and bed operation.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a braking system with a central levering mechanism and override pedal for easy access, a motor-driven elevation system for rapid position changes, and a control system with load cells and sensors for precise control and safety features like automatic brake control and side rail stabilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If foot brakes are located on the side under the bed, then braking function is provided, but user accessibility and safety are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The brake control interface is relocated from the traditional side-under-bed location to the foot end of the bed, changing the spatial dimension of access. This allows users to operate brakes from a safe, visible position without needing to reach under the bed frame.
Solution Approach 2:
A foot-operated brake control mechanism serves as an intermediary between the user's foot and the braking system. This mediator allows brake activation without hand contact, enabling operation while maintaining hand-free safety and improving accessibility.
2Extent of automation
If motor-driven mechanism is used for Fowler section movement, then automated control is achieved, but emergency speed is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between two operational modes: normal automated motor-driven control for routine adjustments, and emergency manual override mode for rapid positioning. This dynamic adaptability allows the system to optimize performance based on situational requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The emergency release mechanism is pre-positioned and pre-configured at the foot end of the bed, allowing immediate activation without requiring complex assembly or setup during emergencies. The mechanism is ready for instant deployment.
3Adaptability or versatility
If manual crank and gearing system is used, then mechanical adjustment capability is provided, but physical effort required is excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The manual crank and gearing system is replaced with a motor-driven elevation mechanism. This substitution eliminates the need for manual cranking while maintaining the mechanical adjustment capability, significantly reducing the physical effort required to adjust bed height.
4Force
If hydraulic piston cylinders are used for elevation, then lifting capability is achieved, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Hydraulic piston cylinders are replaced with a motor-driven elevation system. This substitution maintains the necessary lifting capability while significantly reducing system complexity, eliminating hydraulic fluid requirements, and removing associated maintenance concerns.
5Strength
If side rails are designed with support arms, then structural support is provided, but pinch points and oscillations are created
Solution Approach 1:
The problematic support arms that create pinch points are removed from the side rail design. The side rails are reengineered to provide structural support through alternative means that eliminate the harmful oscillating motion and pinch point hazards while maintaining necessary strength.
Data Source
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AI summary
A patient bed (100) includes a patient support, a base (200), said patient support mounted relative to said base, said base having a plurality of bearing members (202) for moving said base and said patient support across a surface, each of said bearing members including a brake operatively associated therewith. The patient bed further includes an electrical control system (1000), said electrical control system having a user actuatable device and being configured to actuate one or more of said brakes upon actuation of said user actuatable device.