Patient Support Frame Longitudinal Adjustment for Diagnostic Clearance
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Solution Overview
Problem
The transfer of patients between patient-support apparatuses, such as hospital beds and stretchers, is difficult and can cause discomfort or injury due to obstructions from lift mechanisms that hinder the placement of diagnostic devices like C-arm X-Ray machines.
Innovation Solution
A patient-support apparatus with a base and frame featuring pivotable lift arms and a securing assembly that allows the frame to be manually positioned longitudinally, enabling the frame to be raised and lowered while maintaining a fixed longitudinal position, thereby accommodating diagnostic devices by providing necessary clearance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a lift mechanism is added to raise and lower the frame, then patient transfer becomes more difficult and device placement is obstructed, but patient support functionality is improved
Solution Approach 1:
The frame is designed to be longitudinally movable relative to the base, transforming from a fixed configuration to a dynamic one. The securing assembly allows the frame to switch between locked and unlocked positions, enabling longitudinal adjustment to clear obstructions caused by the lift mechanism, thereby facilitating easier patient transfer and device placement.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the frame is made fixed in longitudinal position, then stability is improved, but adaptability to diagnostic devices is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The frame's longitudinal position is made adjustable through the securing assembly, allowing it to transition between fixed (locked) and movable (unlocked) states. This dynamic capability enables the frame to adapt to different diagnostic device configurations while maintaining stability when locked in position.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning system is segmented into discrete locked positions along the longitudinal axis, allowing the frame to be secured at specific intervals. This segmentation provides both stability at each position and flexibility to adjust between positions as needed for different device placements.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Facilitates easier and safer patient transfer by allowing diagnostic equipment to be positioned correctly, reducing the risk of injury and discomfort for caregivers and patients during transfers.
Implementation Method 1
a roller configured to engage a groove of the frame
Implementation Method 2
a spring configured to bias the roller to contact the side rail
Implementation Method 3
The first lift arm may be pivotable relative to the base to raise and lower at least a portion of the frame relative to the base
Data Source
AI summary
A patient-support apparatus includes frame and a lift arm. The frame includes a base frame and an upper frame. The lift arm has a first end coupled to the upper frame and a second end spaced apart from the first end and coupled to the base frame. In this embodiment, the lift arm is configured to move the frame in a generally vertical direction while the lift arm rotates with respect to the frame. The apparatus is configured to allow the first end of the lift arm to translate along the upper frame while the second end rotates about an axis that is fixed relative to the base frame. Other embodiments are also disclosed.