Hospital Bed Powered Width Expansion Using Lead Screw Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing hospital beds with manually operated width expansion wings are cumbersome, costly, and lack efficient powering solutions, making them difficult to retrofit and maintain.

Innovation Solution

A bed design featuring a motor assembly with lead screws and a retrofit kit that includes oppositely handed lead screws and support brackets to power the width expansion wings, allowing for compact, lightweight, and cost-effective operation, enabling easy retrofitting onto existing beds.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If hydraulic cylinders or linear actuators are used to power width expansion wings, then the wings can be powered, but the system becomes bulky, heavy, and expensive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepowered width expansionVSAvoidweight of actuation system

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical actuation systems (hydraulic cylinders or linear actuators) with a simpler mechanical system consisting of a motor assembly and lead screw mechanism. The motor assembly converts rotational motion to linear motion through the lead screw, providing a lighter, more compact, and cost-effective solution for powering the width expansion wings while maintaining the automated functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Extent of automation

If hydraulic cylinders or linear actuators are used to power width expansion wings, then the wings can be powered, but the system becomes bulky and complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepowered width expansionVSAvoidcomplexity of actuation system

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If wings are deployed to accommodate bariatric occupant, then the bed width increases, but the bed cannot fit through typical doorways

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebed width adjustmentVSAvoidbed width

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic width adjustment system where the bed wings can be deployed or stowed as needed. The motor assembly and lead screw mechanism enable the wings to move between extended and retracted positions, allowing the bed to adapt its width dynamically. This enables the bed to fit through doorways when wings are stowed and provide increased width when wings are deployed for bariatric patients.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent describes a configuration where the width adjustment wings can be stored partially under the fixed width center section, with each wing projecting laterally beyond the lateral edges of the center section by a distance D1. This nested arrangement allows the wings to be compact when not in full use, enabling the bed to fit through doorways while still providing width adjustment capability when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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 provides a compact, lightweight, and cost-effective means to power width expansion wings, enhancing the mobility and maintenance of hospital beds while maintaining simplicity and reliability.

Implementation Method 1

a lead screw coupled to the motor assembly and to a lead screw receiver nonmovably associated with the other of the fixed width section and the wing

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLead screw mechanism: Screw

Data Source

PatentUS10603233B2Method of powered width expansion of a bed

Publication Date: 2020.03.31 HILL ROM SERVICES INC

AI summary

A bed comprises a fixed width deck section, a wing movably coupled to the fixed width section, and a rack and pinion mechanism for extending and retracting the wing.