Integrated Pediatric Support Module for Patient Beds
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional patient support apparatuses are not adequately equipped to handle pediatric patients, leading to the need for standalone products that are often unavailable or difficult to attach, diverting valuable time and attention from healthcare personnel during emergencies.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a pediatric support module into patient support apparatuses, featuring a retractable and adjustable design with restraints and storage, allowing for secure transport of pediatric patients while maintaining the apparatus's primary functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If standalone pediatric support products are used, then pediatric patient support capability is improved, but availability and response time deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The pediatric support module is integrated directly into the patient support apparatus, merging the adult support function with pediatric support capability into a single unified system. This eliminates the need for separate standalone products and ensures pediatric support equipment is always available when the apparatus is deployed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patient support apparatus is designed to perform multiple functions by incorporating a pediatric support module that can be deployed when needed. The apparatus serves both adult patient support and pediatric patient support functions, making it a universal device that adapts to different patient sizes and requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If standalone pediatric support products are used, then pediatric patient support capability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the pediatric support module with the main apparatus, the system eliminates the attachment step entirely. The pediatric module is already integrated and ready for use, requiring no assembly or attachment operations by healthcare personnel.
Solution Approach 2:
The pediatric support module is pre-integrated into the apparatus during manufacturing, with all components pre-positioned and pre-configured. This preliminary action eliminates the need for complex attachment operations during emergency situations.
3Productivity
If conventional patient support apparatuses are used, then adult patient support is optimized, but pediatric patient support capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus maintains its primary function for adult patient support while adding universal capability to support pediatric patients through the integrated module. The system becomes multi-functional, adapting to different patient populations without compromising adult support efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The pediatric support module incorporates adjustable and reconfigurable elements that allow the apparatus to dynamically adapt between adult and pediatric configurations. The module can be deployed or stowed as needed, and its components can be adjusted to match different pediatric patient sizes.
Data Source
AI summary
A patient support apparatus comprises a support structure comprising a head end, a foot end, a base, and a patient support deck. The patient support deck comprises a fowler section at the head end and a foot section at the foot end. The fowler section is capable of articulating relative to the base. The patient support apparatus further comprises a pediatric support module comprising a seat section disposed between the fowler section and the foot section. The pediatric support module is integrated into the patient support deck and comprises a lid and a body.