Modular Bed Platform Frame for Independent Section Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Long-term care facility beds require adjustable head and foot sections for patient comfort, but existing solutions often rely on multiple manual cranks or electric actuators, which can be cumbersome and lack flexibility in configuration.
Innovation Solution
A modular bed platform frame with first and second support frame assemblies, featuring actuators for independent or linked movement of mattress supports, allowing for adjustable positions and configurations using electric or mechanical actuators, enabling flexible adjustment of bed sections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple manual crank devices or electric actuators are used to provide separate elevating movement of head end and foot end sections, then the bed sections can be adjusted independently for patient comfort, but the device complexity and operational difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple actuator functions into a single integrated actuator that can control both head end and foot end sections. The actuator includes a first output coupled to the head end section and a second output coupled to the foot end section, allowing one actuator to perform functions that previously required multiple separate actuators, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining independent adjustability.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator is designed with dynamic capability to selectively position different bed sections independently or simultaneously. The system can operate in multiple modes: positioning only the head end section, positioning only the foot end section, or positioning both sections at the same time, providing adaptability without requiring separate fixed mechanisms for each function.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate actuators are used for head end and foot end sections, then independent positioning is achieved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to multiple control devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple control functions into a single actuator with multiple outputs. One output controls the head end section while another output controls the foot end section, both operable from a single control interface. This consolidation reduces the number of control devices from multiple separate actuators to one integrated actuator, improving ease of operation while preserving separate positioning capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The single actuator is designed as a universal control device that can perform multiple functions: positioning the head end section, positioning the foot end section, and positioning both sections simultaneously. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate control devices for each function, making the system easier to operate while maintaining full adaptability.
3Strength
If a rigid frame structure is used to support the sleep surface, then structural strength is maintained, but the ability to provide adjustable configurations is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the bed frame into distinct modular sections: a head end section, a foot end section, and a central section. Each section can be independently positioned by the actuator, allowing the rigid frame to maintain structural strength while providing adjustable configurations. The segmentation enables the rigid structure to be divided into controllable modules without compromising overall strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The rigid frame is designed with dynamic positioning capability through the integrated actuator system. While the frame itself remains rigid to maintain strength, the actuator can dynamically adjust the relative positions of the head end and foot end sections, creating adjustable bed configurations (such as Trendelenburg, Reverse Trendelenburg, Fowler's position) without requiring the frame structure itself to be flexible or weak.
Data Source
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Figure 1C
AI summary
An exemplary bed platform frame includes first and second support frame assemblies, each including a pair of spaced apart rails, a cross member extending between the pair of spaced apart rails, and an actuator support member coupled to the cross member. The spaced apart rails of the first support frame assembly are connected to the spaced apart rails of the second support frame assembly when the first support frame assembly is assembled with the second support frame assembly. The actuator support member of the first support frame assembly is coupled to the cross member of the second support frame assembly when the first support frame assembly is assembled with the second support frame assembly. The actuator support member of the second support frame assembly is coupled to the cross member of the first support frame assembly when the first support frame assembly is assembled with the second support frame assembly.