Reversible Lift Spring Geometry for Lock-Free Medical Bed Fifth Wheel
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical bed fifth wheel designs are prone to damage, require additional components, and often cannot be retrofitted to existing beds due to complex mechanisms and space constraints, necessitating a simpler and more compact solution for retraction and extension.
Innovation Solution
A retractable wheel system featuring a rotatable member, swing arm, swing mount, and spring member that applies force in a downward direction to position the wheel between other wheels, allowing for easy transition between up and down positions without the need for locking mechanisms or additional components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If complex locking mechanisms and additional components are used to raise and lower the fifth wheel, then the wheel can be securely locked in position, but the device complexity increases and susceptibility to damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring member automatically raises the swing arm and wheel to the up position when not in use, eliminating the need for manual intervention or complex locking mechanisms to maintain the retracted position. The system serves itself by using the wheel's own weight and spring force to maintain positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent removes the locking mechanism entirely from the system, extracting only the essential components needed for position maintenance (spring member and swing arm geometry), thereby simplifying the overall device while maintaining functional reliability.
2Reliability
If additional mechanisms such as hydraulic pumps or electromechanical mechanisms are used to move the fifth wheel, then the wheel can be raised and lowered reliably, but the device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses passive mechanical elements (spring member and gravity) to automatically position the wheel without requiring active control systems, hydraulic pumps, or electromechanical mechanisms, thereby maintaining reliability while minimizing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring member acts as a counterweight mechanism that balances the wheel assembly's weight, allowing easy transition between positions without requiring additional power mechanisms. The spring force counteracts gravity to enable smooth, controlled movement.
3Reliability
If traditional fifth wheel designs with locking mechanisms are used, then the wheel can be secured in position, but the space under the medical bed increases and retrofitting becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The swing arm and wheel assembly nests compactly under the bed frame when in the up position, utilizing vertical space efficiently. The mechanism is designed to fit within the existing bed structure without requiring additional horizontal space, enabling easy retrofitting.
Solution Approach 2:
The swing arm provides dynamic movement between up and down positions, allowing the wheel to be stored compactly when not in use while maintaining full functionality when needed, optimizing space utilization under the bed.
4Reliability
If multiple components are used to raise and lower the fifth wheel, then the wheel can be positioned accurately, but the susceptibility to damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes vulnerable components such as locking mechanisms, hydraulic lines, and electromechanical actuators that are prone to damage, retaining only the robust spring member and swing arm assembly which have fewer failure points and require minimal maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring member and swing arm are designed as simple, replaceable components that can be easily serviced or replaced if damaged, reducing the overall susceptibility of the system to permanent failure and minimizing downtime.
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 system enhances maneuverability and reduces susceptibility to damage by providing a simple, compact, and adaptable solution for medical beds, allowing for easy installation on existing designs and eliminating the need for complex locking mechanisms.
Implementation Method 1
a spring member having a first end attached to the swing mount at a connection point and a second end attached to the second end of the swing arm, such that the spring member is rotatable relative to the swing mount at the connection point. The spring member is configured to apply a force in a downward direction
Data Source
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AI summary
A retractable wheel system includes a rotatable member, a swing arm attached to the rotatable member and a wheel, a swing mount attached to the rotatable member, and a spring member. The spring member is attached to the swing mount at a connection point on a first end and to the swing arm on a second end. The spring member is rotatable relative to the swing mount at the connection point. The spring member is configured to apply a force in an upward direction when the connection point is above a line extending between a wheel attachment point and a swing arm rotation point of the swing arm and a force in a downward direction when the connection point is below the line of the swing arm. A transportation unit including the retractable wheel system is also disclosed.