Movable Pivot Axis for Hospital Bed Deck Sections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Patient-support apparatuses, such as hospital beds, often cause discomfort due to abdominal compression when the head and seat sections are raised simultaneously, as existing designs do not effectively manage the movement of deck sections to prevent this issue.
Innovation Solution
A patient-support apparatus with a support frame and pivotable deck sections, where the pivot axis is translated along the longitudinal axis of the frame using a carriage and actuator system, allowing the deck sections to move in a planar direction, reducing the need for the actuator to pivot and minimizing abdominal compression.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the head and seat sections are raised simultaneously using fixed pivot axes, then the patient can be positioned for comfort or medical procedures, but abdominal compression occurs causing discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the pivot axis movable rather than fixed. The pivot axis translates along the longitudinal axis of the frame as the deck section pivots, allowing the rotation point to dynamically adjust position. This dynamic adjustment prevents abdominal compression by ensuring the pivot point moves away from the patient's abdomen during the raising motion, while still enabling effective positioning of the head and seat sections.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a movable carriage system is used to translate the pivot axis, then abdominal compression is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an intermediary carriage mechanism that travels along the longitudinal axis to translate the pivot axis position. This intermediary device mediates between the fixed frame and the moving deck section, allowing the pivot point to shift without requiring a completely complex reconfiguration of the entire support structure. The carriage acts as a intermediate component that simplifies the overall system architecture while achieving the desired pivot translation.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the pivot axis is translated along the longitudinal axis during deck section movement, then abdominal discomfort is minimized, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the support structure into distinct modular components: the frame, the movable carriage, the deck section, and the actuator system. Each component can be manufactured and assembled separately, with the carriage being a standalone unit that can be attached to the frame. This modular segmentation simplifies manufacturing and assembly processes despite the sophisticated movement mechanism, as each segment can be produced using standard fabrication techniques and then assembled through straightforward connection methods.
Data Source
AI summary
A patient-support apparatus includes a patient-support deck having a head deck section, seat deck section, and foot deck section each of which is supported on a frame. The head deck section pivots and translates relative to the frame when driven. The drive systems of the deck sections are configured such that movement of links driving the deck sections occurs above the lowest point on the frame.