Patient Support Lift Assembly Segmentation Dynamics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing patient support systems face challenges in achieving a low height while maintaining a sufficient range of travel to accommodate caregiver access and allowing clearance for overbed tables or patient lifts, especially when the system is in a lowered position.
Innovation Solution
A compact lift mechanism is designed with independent head and foot end leg assemblies that pivot and slide, allowing the patient support deck to be lowered to a very low height while maintaining clearance, and can orient the deck in Trendelenburg or reverse Trendelenburg positions through the use of actuators and lever systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If the patient support apparatus is lowered to a very low height, then patient fall risk is reduced and clearance for overbed equipment is provided, but the range of travel to reach working height for caregiver access is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The lift assembly is divided into independent head end and foot end leg assemblies, each with separate actuators. This segmentation allows independent control of each end, enabling the system to achieve both low height positioning and sufficient travel range for caregiver access by coordinating the movement of individual leg assemblies.
Solution Approach 2:
The leg assemblies incorporate movable pivot connections that can shift position, allowing the mechanism to dynamically adjust its geometry. This dynamic capability enables the system to provide a compact low height configuration while maintaining the mechanical leverage needed for sufficient vertical travel to reach working height for caregiver access.
2Length of moving object
If the patient support apparatus is lowered to a very low height, then clearance for overbed tables or patient lifts is provided, but the structural stability and support capability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the support structure into independent head and foot end leg assemblies, each assembly can be optimized for stability independently. The segmentation allows the frame to maintain structural integrity at low heights while providing the necessary clearance space beneath for overbed equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The leg assemblies feature asymmetric geometry with offset frames and non-uniform link lengths. This asymmetric design allows the mechanism to achieve a compact low height configuration while maintaining the mechanical advantage and structural stability needed to support patient weight and provide sufficient travel range.
3Adaptability or versatility
If independent head and foot end leg assemblies are used to enable Trendelenburg positioning, then patient orientation capability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The independent head and foot end leg assemblies with separate actuators enable Trendelenburg positioning by allowing differential movement of each end. The segmentation provides the necessary adaptability for various patient positions while the modular design helps manage the inherent complexity through standardized components.
Solution Approach 2:
The leg assemblies are designed to perform multiple functions: vertical lifting, Trendelenburg positioning, and maintaining structural stability. By making the head and foot end assemblies independent and interchangeable, the system achieves multi-functionality without proportionally increasing complexity, as each assembly uses the same mechanical design.
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
The solution enables the patient support system to be safely lowered to a low height, reducing the risk of patient falls and allowing for easy access by caregivers, while also providing the necessary clearance for overbed equipment, and allows for comfortable caregiver access and orientation of the deck for specific patient positions.
Implementation Method 1
The actuator is coupled to the lifting leg at the folding pivot axis with a first lever and coupled the base with a second lever
Implementation Method 2
The first lever comprises an offset frame. The offset frame is mounted about the folding pivot axis and pivotally mounted to the lower pivot connections
Implementation Method 3
the lower pivot connection comprises a sliding pivot connection, with the sliding pivot connection sliding along a long axis of the base
Implementation Method 4
The actuator is mounted in the lifting assembly between two mounts over distance less than the stroke length of the actor to thereby reduce the installation length of the actuator
Data Source
AI summary
A patient support apparatus includes a base, a frame supported relative to the base to support a mattress for supporting a patient thereon, and a lift assembly for raising or lowering the frame relative to the base. The lift assembly includes a pair of lifting legs, a pair of crank arms, and an actuator. The actuator has a fixed end mounted relative to the lifting legs and an extendible end and supports a pin connection between the extendible end and the fixed end. The pin connection being movable with the extendible end and is pivotally coupled to the pair of crank arms, with the pair of crank arms coupled at upper ends thereof to the lifting legs and at lower ends thereof to the base.