Mobile Treatment Table Pivot Mechanism and Wheel Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing athletic treatment tables lack versatility and ease of use, particularly in transitioning between mobile and operable positions, and do not efficiently accommodate storage or handling of medical equipment.
Innovation Solution
A mobile treatment table design featuring pivotally connected support members, a wheel assembly, and a handle system that allows the table to transition between vertical and horizontal positions, with integrated storage and secure locking mechanisms for easy mobility and secure operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the treatment table is designed to be mobile with wheels, then ease of relocation is improved, but stability during operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The treatment table is divided into separate functional components: a mobile base with wheels for relocation, and an operable table surface for treatment. This segmentation allows the mobile base to provide ease of movement while the separate table structure provides operational stability when positioned.
Solution Approach 2:
The table incorporates dynamic elements including wheels that can be locked during operation, and an adjustable table surface that can transition between different positions. The locking mechanism on the wheels provides stability during operation while maintaining mobility when unlocked.
2Ease of operation
If the treatment table is designed for easy cleaning with smooth surfaces, then ease of cleaning is improved, but grip and handling deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Different surfaces of the treatment table have different textures optimized for their specific functions. Smooth surfaces are used on areas requiring easy cleaning, while textured or patterned surfaces are applied to areas requiring grip and handling, such as handrails and support areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The table design incorporates asymmetric surface treatments where only specific areas have non-slip textures. This allows the majority of surfaces to remain smooth for easy cleaning while providing enhanced grip only where necessary for safety and handling.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the treatment table includes integrated storage units, then functionality and versatility are improved, but device complexity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Storage units are integrated into the existing structure of the mobile base, combining the storage function with the support structure. This merging approach adds functionality without requiring separate storage components, thereby limiting the increase in overall structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile base structure serves multiple functions: it provides the foundation for the table, incorporates wheels for mobility, includes locking mechanisms for stability, and integrates storage units for equipment. This multi-functionality approach maximizes versatility while minimizing the addition of separate 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 design enables seamless transition between mobile and operable positions, provides secure storage for medical equipment, and ensures durability and ease of cleaning, enhancing usability and versatility for both indoor and outdoor use.
Implementation Method 1
a wheel assembly operably connected with the second support member and operable between an extended position adjacent a first side of the support member and a retracted position adjacent a second side of the support member
Implementation Method 2
A first support member is pivotally connected with the central support and operable between a substantially vertical position and a substantially horizontal position
Data Source
AI summary
A mobile treatment table including a central support. A first support member is pivotally connected with the central support and operable between a substantially vertical position and a substantially horizontal position. A second support member is pivotally connected with the central support and includes a handle integral therewith. The second support member is operable between a substantially vertical position and a substantially horizontal position. A wheel assembly is operably connected with the second support member and operable between an extended position adjacent a first side of the support member and a retracted position adjacent a second side of the support member.