Modular Hospital Bed Lift Assembly for Easier Transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hospital beds require a lengthy and inconvenient process to modify and transport due to complex disassembly of motor units and dual-gear systems, which can damage electronic components.
Innovation Solution
A modular hospital bed design featuring a frame, head board, foot board, first motor unit, shaft unit, and gear box, with a second motor unit connected via wires for automatic lifting and lowering, allowing easy connection and disconnection of components for transportation and switching between two modes of operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional dual-gear units with shafts and cranks are used for lifting and lowering head board and foot board, then the lifting and lowering function is achieved, but the modification time and disassembly time are considerably long
Solution Approach 1:
The hospital bed is divided into modular components: frame assembly, head board assembly, foot board assembly, and motor unit assembly. Each assembly can be independently manufactured, transported, and assembled. The motor unit is designed as a separate module that can be easily attached to the dual-gear unit without requiring disassembly of the entire bed structure.
2Extent of automation
If motor unit is connected to dual-gear units for automatic lifting and lowering, then automation is improved, but the transportation convenience deteriorates due to large amount of parts
Solution Approach 1:
The motor unit is integrated with the dual-gear unit to form a combined motor-gear assembly. This merging reduces the number of separate parts that need to be transported and assembled. The integrated design allows the automatic lifting and lowering function to be achieved while minimizing the quantity of components.
3Extent of automation
If conventional hospital bed structure is modified by connecting motor unit to dual-gear units, then automatic lifting and lowering is achieved, but the difficulty of modification increases
Solution Approach 1:
The motor unit is pre-assembled and pre-configured with the dual-gear unit before installation on the hospital bed. All necessary connections and adjustments are performed in advance during manufacturing, so that during modification or assembly, the motor-gear assembly can be installed as a complete unit without complex field adjustments or modifications.
4Ease of manufacture
If electric and electronic units are transported separately, then the modularization is achieved, but the risk of damage during transportation increases
Solution Approach 1:
Electric and electronic units are integrated into protected housings or enclosures that are part of the motor unit assembly. This merging provides physical protection for sensitive components during transportation while maintaining the modular design that allows for easy assembly and disassembly of the overall bed system.
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
Facilitates easy transportation and connection of hospital bed components, protects motor units during transport, and allows seamless switching between synchronous and tilt modes of operation, enhancing convenience and safety.
Implementation Method 1
The second motor unit includes a motor and a pair of wires. The motor is provided with a mandrel. The mandrel is engaged with the gear box. The second motor unit is electrically connected to the first motor unit through the pair of wires for automatically lifting and lowering the head board and the foot board.
Data Source
AI summary
A hospital bed includes a frame, a head board, a foot board and an apparatus for lifting and lowering the head board and the foot board. The apparatus includes a first motor unit, a shaft unit, a gear box and a second motor unit. The first motor unit is provided beneath the frame. The shaft unit is connected to both of the head board and the foot board. The gear box is provided on a side of the first motor unit and connected to the shaft unit for lifting and lowering the head board and the foot board. The second motor unit includes a motor and a pair of wires. The motor is provided with a mandrel. The mandrel is engaged with the gear box. The second motor unit is electrically connected to the first motor unit through the pair of wires for automatically lifting and lowering the head board and the foot board.