Patient Bed Head Access With Pivoting Handle Assemblies
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing patient support apparatuses, such as hospital beds, lack sufficient access for caregivers at the head of the bed, hindering efficient patient care and comfort for both the patient and caregiver.
Innovation Solution
A patient support apparatus with a frame extending beyond the mattress, featuring a recess with oblique sidewalls and pivotable handle assemblies that rotate inwardly to a stowed position, preserving space for caregiver access and comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the frame extends beyond the mattress head end to provide structural support, then the structural stability is improved, but the caregiver access space is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The head portion of the frame is segmented into a recess area and handle assembly areas. The recess creates an unobstructed space for caregiver access, while the handle assemblies are positioned at the sides. This segmentation allows the frame to maintain structural extension beyond the mattress while creating dedicated access space in the center.
Solution Approach 2:
The handle assemblies are extracted from a traditional central position and placed at the lateral sides of the head portion. This extraction of handles from the center allows the creation of a recess in the head portion, providing unobstructed access space for caregivers while maintaining the structural extension of the frame.
2Ease of operation
If handle assemblies are positioned for ergonomic handling, then the ease of operation is improved, but the caregiver access space is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The handling function is segmented from the central access area and distributed to lateral handle assemblies. Each handle assembly includes an elongate member with a grip positioned for ergonomic hand placement, allowing caregivers to operate the bed while standing in the recessed access space.
Solution Approach 2:
The handle assemblies act as intermediaries that transfer the operational control of the bed to the caregiver. By positioning handles at the lateral sides with ergonomic grips, caregivers can maintain a comfortable standing position in the recess while having direct mechanical control over bed functions.
3Strength
If the handle assemblies are positioned vertically, then the structural support is improved, but the caregiver movement is interfered with
Solution Approach 1:
The handle assemblies are designed to be movable rather than fixed in a single vertical position. They can be pivoted between a stowed position within the recess and a deployed position extending outward. This dynamic positioning allows the handles to clear the caregiver's path when not in use while maintaining structural support capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The handle assemblies utilize lateral positioning and pivoting motion in addition to vertical support. By extending handles outward from the lateral sides of the head portion and allowing pivoting motion, the design adds lateral and rotational dimensions to the traditionally vertical handle configuration, creating clearer movement paths for caregivers.
Data Source
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AI summary
A patient support apparatus (10) includes a mattress (14) having a head end (68). A frame (12) is configured to support the mattress (14). The frame (12) includes a head portion (16) that extends beyond the head end (68) of the mattress (14). The head portion (16) defines a recess (70). At least one handle assembly (20) is pivotally coupled to the head portion (16). The at least one handle assembly (20) includes an elongate member (22) coupled to the head portion (16) proximate the recess (70). The elongate member (22) is operable between a stowed position and a deployed position. The elongate member (22) is disposed over the head portion (16) when in the stowed position. A handle (24) extends from a distal end (26) of the elongate member (22). The handle (24) extends at an acute angle relative to a longitudinal axis of the elongate member (22).