Patient support apparatus having a telescoping assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing telescoping mechanisms for patient support apparatuses require users to manually hold the accessory and actuate a release device with another hand, making it cumbersome to move accessories between stowed and use positions.
Innovation Solution
A telescoping assembly with a locking device that allows the telescoping support to be raised and lowered indirectly by slide members, enabling the user to move the accessory between positions without direct contact, and a deactivator mechanism that remotely unlocks the locking device for easy stowage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking device and release device are used to extend the accessory, then the accessory can be locked in the extended position, but the user must manually hold the accessory with one hand and actuate the release device with the other hand, making it cumbersome to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The telescoping member is designed to automatically lock when extended to a predetermined position without requiring manual intervention. The locking device engages automatically with the telescoping member when it reaches the extended position, eliminating the need for users to manually operate a release device with one hand while holding the accessory with the other.
2Reliability
If the locking device is positioned to secure the telescoping member, then the accessory can be held firmly in the extended position, but the locking device becomes inaccessible when the accessory is in the extended position
Solution Approach 1:
A cable mechanism serves as an intermediary to transmit the unlocking force from an accessible location to the locking device. When the user pulls the cable at an accessible position, the force is transmitted through the cable to actuate the locking device, which is located in an inaccessible position, thereby releasing the telescoping member.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the accessory is manually moved between stowed and use positions, then the accessory can be positioned as needed, but the user effort and time required for movement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The telescoping mechanism allows the accessory to dynamically transition between stowed and extended positions. The telescoping member can be easily extended or retracted by the user, and the automatic locking feature ensures it remains firmly in the extended position once reached, reducing the time and effort required for position changes while maintaining adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
A patient support apparatus comprising a base, an intermediate frame arranged for movement relative to the base, a support deck disposed on the intermediate frame to provide support for a patient, and a telescoping assembly operatively attached to the intermediate frame. The telescoping assembly comprises a support movable between a collapsed position and an extended position, a lock operable to releasably hold the support in the extended position, and an accessory manually movable by a user relative to the support between a stowed position and a use position. The accessory comprises a deactivator operable to deactivate the lock remotely from the user in response to the user manually moving the accessory relative to the support toward the stowed position thereby enabling movement of the support from the extended position to the collapsed position.