Reconfigurable Mattress Coupler for Hospital Bed Mattress Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing patient support apparatuses, such as hospital beds and stretchers, face the challenge of mattress migration when the back deck section is raised, which can cause pressure on footboards, pull on IV lines, and mislocate the mattress, necessitating a simpler and more effective way to retain the mattress in position.
Innovation Solution
A reconfigurable mattress coupler that can switch between engaged and non-engaged configurations, attached to the mattress, is used to limit mattress migration by being biased towards an engaged position and featuring a compact, non-engaged configuration for easy insertion and engagement with the deck.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If straps are used to retain the mattress, then the mattress can be held in position, but the device becomes difficult to use
Solution Approach 1:
The mattress coupler is divided into multiple functional segments: a base portion attached to the mattress, a retainer portion that engages with the deck, and a biasing mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, providing reliable mattress retention while maintaining ease of operation through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The mattress coupler incorporates a biasing mechanism (spring or elastic element) that automatically urges the retainer portion into the engaged position with the deck. This self-service feature eliminates the need for manual adjustment or complex fastening operations, making the device easy to use while ensuring reliable mattress retention throughout the adjustment range
2Reliability
If the mattress coupler is always in engaged configuration, then the mattress is retained, but the coupler cannot be inserted through the deck opening
Solution Approach 1:
The mattress coupler is designed as a dynamic device that can transition between at least two configurations: an engaged configuration where the retainer portion secures the mattress to the deck, and a non-engaged configuration where the coupler can be inserted through the deck opening. The biasing mechanism provides the force necessary to transition between these configurations, ensuring the coupler is insertable when needed while automatically maintaining retention when in position
3Reliability
If the coupler structure is extended to engage the deck, then the mattress is secured, but the coupler cannot be inserted through the deck opening
Solution Approach 1:
The coupler employs a dynamic structure that can change its configuration from compact (for insertion) to extended (for engagement). The biasing mechanism automatically transitions the coupler from a compact non-engaged configuration that fits through the deck opening to an extended engaged configuration that secures the mattress, eliminating the need for complex manual assembly or multiple components
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 mattress coupler effectively prevents mattress migration, ensuring stable positioning and reducing the risk of IV line displacement, while providing a user-friendly mechanism for attachment and detachment.
Implementation Method 1
the mattress coupler includes one or more springs to urge and bias the second portion in or to its engaged position
Implementation Method 2
the second portion may be biased in an extended orientation from the first portion to an engaged position
Implementation Method 3
the second portion may include a cam surface to guide the second portion to its compact, non-engaged position when the mattress coupler makes contact with the litter deck
Implementation Method 4
the second portion may be pivotally mounted to the first portion, such as by a hinge connection
Implementation Method 5
the second portion may be pivotally mounted to the first portion, such as by a hinge connection
Data Source
AI summary
A patient support apparatus is provided with a deck and a mattress. The patient support apparatus may include a mattress coupler to couple the mattress to the deck to limit, if not prevent, migration of the mattress relative to the deck.