Pivoting User Module for Patient Support Siderail Ergonomics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional user modules on patient supports, such as hospital beds, are ergonomically poorly designed, making controls difficult to use due to unfavorable angles and positions, requiring caregivers or patients to assume uncomfortable postures for access and operation.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates movable and pivotable user modules with adjustable angles and detachable features, including touchscreen displays and hard panel controls, which can be easily accessed and operated by caregivers or patients without requiring awkward positions, using pivot coupling mechanisms and docking regions for improved usability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the user module is fixed in the siderail or provided as a pendant, then the module is securely attached to the patient support, but the module becomes cumbersome to use due to poor ergonomic positioning and unfavorable angles
Solution Approach 1:
The user module is made movable relative to the siderail through a pivot coupling mechanism, allowing it to rotate between a stowed position (flush with siderail) and a use position (extended outward at optimal angle). This dynamic positioning resolves the contradiction by maintaining secure attachment while enabling ergonomic operation at various angles.
2Ease of operation
If the user module is extended outward from the siderail, then the controls are more accessible to the user, but the module requires more space and may interfere with the patient support structure
Solution Approach 1:
The user module transitions from a fixed space-occupying position to a dynamic configuration where it can be extended only when needed for operation, then retracted to a compact stowed position flush with the siderail, minimizing space occupation when not in use.
Solution Approach 2:
The user module is positioned in a third dimension by rotating outward from the siderail plane, allowing it to extend into the space above or beside the patient support without increasing the footprint of the siderail itself, thus maintaining accessibility while minimizing interference with the structure.
3Ease of operation
If the user module requires two hands for operation (one to steady, one to operate), then the controls can be operated, but the operation becomes cumbersome and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The user module incorporates a grip region with specific ergonomic characteristics (circular cross-section, textured surface, recessed positioning) that provides secure one-handed holding, while the controls are arranged to be operable with the same hand or thumb, enabling single-handed operation and reducing time loss.
Data Source
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AI summary
A user module for a patient support is provided. The user module is coupled to a patient support barrier, such as a siderail or a footboard.