Multi-function headboard for patient support apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional patient support apparatuses lack a central location for environment controls and optimal positioning of features like speakers, heating/cooling systems, reading lights, and handles, which can be cumbersome and inconvenient for patient comfort and caregiver access.
Innovation Solution
A patient support apparatus with a modular headboard assembly that integrates environment controls and articulating arms, allowing for centralized control of patient comfort features and ergonomic access to handles, while maintaining a consistent positional relationship with the patient during articulation of the support deck.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If environment controls (speakers, heating/cooling systems, reading lights, handles) are housed in side rails, then they are integrated into the patient support apparatus, but the side rails articulate and are not always in an optimal position for providing sound or access to controls to the patient
Solution Approach 1:
The headboard is divided into multiple sections (first headboard section, second headboard section, third headboard section) that can independently articulate relative to each other. This segmentation allows each section to be positioned optimally for its specific function - environment controls on the first section, speakers on the second section, and reading lights on the third section - while maintaining overall integration with the patient support apparatus.
2Device complexity
If the headboard serves only as a mattress and pillow barrier, then it is simple in structure, but it is unwieldy and may be misplaced or discarded
Solution Approach 1:
The headboard is designed as a multi-functional component that serves multiple purposes: it acts as a mattress and pillow barrier, houses environment controls (heating/cooling systems, reading lights), contains speakers for audio output, and provides structural support. This multi-functionality increases the headboard's utility and value to the patient support apparatus while maintaining a integrated design.
3Adaptability or versatility
If features are housed in articulating side rails, then they are integrated into the apparatus, but they are not always in an optimal position for patient access and comfort
Solution Approach 1:
The headboard sections are designed to articulate dynamically relative to each other and the patient support deck, allowing the environment controls, speakers, and reading lights to be positioned at optimal locations for patient access and comfort. The dynamic articulation capability enables the features to maintain optimal positioning regardless of the patient support apparatus configuration.
Data Source
AI summary
A patient support apparatus comprises a support structure, an articulation system, and a headboard assembly. The support structure comprises a head end, a foot end, a base, and a patient support deck to support a patient between the head end and the foot end. The patient support deck comprises a first section and a second section capable of articulating relative to the first section. The articulation system articulates the second section relative to the first section. The headboard assembly is coupled to the second section to be arranged adjacent to a head of the patient lying on the patient support deck. At least a portion of the headboard assembly articulates with the second section when the second section articulates relative to the first section. The headboard assembly comprises one or more environment controls operable to alter an environment of the patient on the patient support deck.