Overbed Table With Integrated Sanitizer Access and Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing overbed tables are often difficult to operate, have limited storage capacity, and are not conveniently accessible for individuals with limited mobility, especially in healthcare settings, where easy access to hand sanitizers is crucial for infection control.
Innovation Solution
An overbed table design featuring a support surface assembly with integrated hand sanitizer container housing, adjustable height, movable table top sections, and a locking mechanism, along with antimicrobial human interface elements and a siderail system for sanitizer container placement, enhancing usability and accessibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If hand sanitizer containers are integrated into the overbed table, then accessibility to hand sanitizer is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the hand sanitizer container directly into the overbed table structure by providing a housing coupled with the support surface assembly. This merging of the sanitizer container with the table structure eliminates the need for separate sanitizer dispensers, improving accessibility while the integrated design keeps complexity manageable through unified construction.
Solution Approach 2:
The overbed table is designed to serve multiple functions: supporting items on its surface, providing storage compartments, and dispensing hand sanitizer. The housing for the sanitizer container is incorporated into the same structure that supports other items, making the device universal and multi-functional rather than requiring separate dedicated devices for each function.
2Adaptability or versatility
If storage capacity is increased, then functionality is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The overbed table is divided into multiple independent storage compartments including open storage receptacles and enclosed storage sections. Each compartment can be accessed independently and serves different storage needs. This segmentation allows increased storage capacity while maintaining manageable complexity through modular, organized sections rather than a single large storage area.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates storage compartments within the overall table structure, with some storage sections nested within others. The housing for the hand sanitizer container is integrated within the support surface assembly, and additional storage receptacles are positioned within the same structural framework, creating a nested arrangement that maximizes storage capacity within the available space without proportionally increasing external dimensions or complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
An item support apparatus, such as an overbed table, for example, includes a support surface assembly, a base assembly, and a vertical column coupled to each of the support surface and base assemblies. A side assembly is coupled to the base assembly and configured to remain stationary while the support surface assembly moves upwardly and downwardly relative to the base assembly. The overbed table may further include a hand sanitizer container coupled with the support surface assembly and configured to receive a removable hand sanitizer container unit. The base assembly may include weight-activated casters. Other embodiments are also disclosed.