Movable Oxygen Tank Support for Better Bedside Caregiver Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional oxygen tank supports on patient support apparatuses obstruct caregiver access to patients and hinder the mobility of articulating sections, as they are either fixed or located under the patient, causing interference and limiting the upper frame's height when lowered.
Innovation Solution
The patient support apparatus incorporates a lift assembly and an oxygen tank support that is vertically movable and rotatable, allowing it to be positioned in various locations relative to the upper frame, including a swivel mount and adjustable height, to enhance caregiver access and minimize interference with the patient and frame mobility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the oxygen tank support is fixed or located under the patient, then the caregiver has prompt access to the oxygen tank, but the caregiver's access to the patient is obstructed and the mobility of articulating sections is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The oxygen tank support is made movable rather than fixed, allowing it to be repositioned between a first position (providing caregiver access to the patient) and a second position (providing prompt access to the oxygen tank). This dynamic positioning resolves the contradiction by enabling the support structure to adapt its location based on operational needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The oxygen tank support utilizes vertical movement (third dimension) to resolve the spatial conflict. By moving vertically relative to the patient support apparatus, the support can clear the patient area when needed while maintaining accessibility to the oxygen tank, adding a dimensional solution to a two-dimensional access problem.
2Ease of operation
If the oxygen tank support is fixed or located under the patient, then the oxygen tank is securely positioned, but the upper frame's height when lowered is limited and articulating section mobility is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The oxygen tank support is designed to move vertically relative to the upper frame, allowing it to adapt its position as the frame is raised or lowered. This dynamic positioning maintains secure oxygen tank placement while accommodating the full range of motion of the upper frame, including lowered positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable oxygen tank support acts as an intermediary element between the upper frame and the oxygen tank. It provides a stable mounting solution that decouples the oxygen tank positioning from the upper frame's vertical movements, allowing the frame to move freely while the support maintains its function.
Data Source
AI summary
A patient support apparatus includes a frame adapted to be raised and lowered relative to a floor underlying the patient support apparatus and an oxygen tank support configured to couple an oxygen tank with the patient support apparatus. The frame is adapted to operably support a patient thereon and the oxygen tank support is coupled with the frame and is adapted to increase caregiver access to the patient.