Patient Support Deck Articulation Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional patient support apparatuses in healthcare settings offer limited patient positioning options, are costly to manufacture, and complex to use, restricting caregiver efficiency in patient care.
Innovation Solution
A patient support apparatus with a pair of support decks articulable about longitudinal axes, featuring joint assemblies that maintain a common angle between auxiliary and seat sections, allowing independent adjustment of tilt angles and positions, facilitated by lift and deck actuators controlled by a controller for various patient configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional patient support apparatuses use a fixed support deck configuration, then manufacturing cost is reduced and structure is simplified, but patient positioning options are limited and caregiver efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The support deck is divided into multiple independently articulable sections (seat section, auxiliary section, leg section, foot section) that can be positioned independently. Each section can be adjusted to different angles and orientations, enabling a broad range of patient positioning options without requiring a completely complex redesign of the entire support system.
Solution Approach 2:
The support deck transitions from a fixed configuration to a dynamic, adjustable configuration. The articulation mechanisms allow each section to move between multiple positions, providing adaptability for different patient care needs while using standardized components that control overall system complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional patient support apparatuses increase the number of adjustable sections, then patient positioning options are improved, but manufacturing cost increases and structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The support deck is segmented into modular sections that can be manufactured independently using standardized processes. Each section (seat, auxiliary, leg, foot) is a discrete unit that can be produced separately and then assembled, reducing manufacturing complexity and cost compared to creating a fully custom multi-position system.
Solution Approach 2:
Each support deck section is designed to perform multiple functions. For example, the auxiliary section can provide lateral support, adjust to different angles, and work in combination with other sections to create various patient positions. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components, thereby controlling manufacturing costs.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional patient support apparatuses use multiple actuators for section adjustment, then patient positioning capability is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation worsen
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple actuators are merged into an integrated control system that coordinates the movement of different support deck sections. The controller synchronizes the actuators to move sections in a coordinated manner, allowing caregivers to achieve complex patient positions through simplified control inputs rather than manually adjusting each section independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system dynamically coordinates actuator operation based on the desired patient position. The system can automatically sequence actuator activation and adjust movement speeds, providing ease of operation while maintaining full positioning capability across all sections.
Data Source
AI summary
A patient support apparatus for supporting a patient. A pair of support decks are operatively attached to a support frame. Each of the support decks is arranged for articulation about a respective longitudinal axis between a plurality of longitudinal support configurations. Each of the support decks comprises a seat section and an auxiliary section operatively attached to the seat section for articulation transverse to the respective longitudinal axis. A joint assembly is coupled to the support frame and to each of the support decks. The joint assembly is arranged to concurrently position the auxiliary sections at a common angle relative to the respective seat sections independent of articulation of the support decks between the longitudinal support configurations.