Armrest assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing armrests on examination platforms are not adjustable, making them inconvenient for medical procedures and patient positioning, especially for wheelchair users, as they may block the lateral side of the platform.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable armrest assembly with a proximal and distal adjustment mechanism allowing the armrest to pivot and rotate about multiple axes, featuring a breakaway feature to prevent damage from excessive weight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the armrest is positioned in a convenient location for typical armrest use, then patient comfort is improved, but access for clinicians performing physiological data collection and biological sample collection is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The armrest is designed with multi-axis adjustability, allowing it to move between a retracted position (blocking less of the platform) and an extended position (providing patient comfort). The armrest can be positioned at different angles and locations to accommodate both patient comfort and clinician access needs for various procedures.
2Ease of operation
If the armrest is positioned in a conventional location, then patient comfort is improved, but it blocks the lateral side of the examination platform for patients in wheelchairs
Solution Approach 1:
The armrest can be retracted toward the head of the platform to clear the lateral side, enabling wheelchair patients to be lifted onto the platform without obstruction. It can then be extended to a comfortable position for the patient once they are seated.
3Strength
If the armrest structure is made robust to support patient weight, then structural strength is improved, but it becomes harder to adjust to various positions
Solution Approach 1:
The armrest is divided into multiple segments or components that can move independently relative to each other. This segmentation allows the armrest to achieve various positions through a series of simpler movements rather than requiring a single complex adjustment mechanism, while still maintaining overall structural strength.
Data Source
AI summary
An armrest assembly is disclosed herein. The armrest assembly includes a main body with a proximal adjustment assembly disposed at a first end and a distal adjustment assembly disposed at a second end. The proximal adjustment assembly provides for adjustment of the main body about a first axis. The distal adjustment assembly provides for adjustment of an arm pad about a second axis as well as a third axis. To prevent damage, a breakaway assembly is provided by the distal adjustment assembly to unlock the arm pad from a raised position and lower it into a lower position in the event a weight applied to the arm pad is beyond a particular weight threshold.