Programmable Exam Chair Actuation for Independent Patient Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing medical examination and procedure tables and chairs have limited ranges of motion and positioning, requiring manual manipulation and interdependent mechanical linkages, which are inefficient and do not meet the needs of patients and medical service providers effectively.

Innovation Solution

The use of independently programmable actuators to control the movement of seat, leg rest, and foot rest assemblies, allowing for synchronized and simultaneous mechanical movement to achieve desired positions without manual manipulation, ensuring ergonomic access and patient comfort.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual manipulation is used to position chair parts, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of operation and productivity deteriorate due to time-consuming adjustments and interruptions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of positioning chair partsVSAvoidcomplexity of chair mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical manipulation with an automated actuator system. Motors or other actuators are integrated into the chair mechanism to automatically position the seat, backrest, leg rest, and foot rest assemblies according to programmed sequences, eliminating the need for manual manipulation while providing precise and efficient positioning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements pre-programmed movement sequences that automatically position chair parts in optimal configurations before patient examination or treatment begins. The actuator system is programmed with predetermined sequences that move multiple components simultaneously to their desired positions, eliminating the need for manual adjustment during procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If interdependent mechanical linkages are used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability and ranges of motion deteriorate due to limited positioning options

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveranges of motion and positioningVSAvoidcomplexity of chair mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the chair into independent movable assemblies (seat assembly, backrest assembly, leg rest assembly, foot rest assembly), each capable of independent positioning through separate actuators. This segmentation allows each component to achieve its full range of motion independently, providing extensive adaptability for different patient sizes and examination types without the constraints of interdependent mechanical linkages.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamically adjustable chair components that can be positioned independently through programmable actuators. Each assembly can move through its full range of motion independently of others, allowing the system to adapt to various examination requirements and patient needs, transitioning from static interdependent linkages to dynamic independent control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Productivity

If synchronized movement of multiple chair parts is implemented, then productivity improves by eliminating manual adjustments, but device complexity increases due to coordination requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveefficiency of patient positioningVSAvoidcomplexity of control system

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple actuator controls into a unified programmable control system that coordinates the movement of seat, backrest, leg rest, and foot rest assemblies simultaneously. The control system integrates movement sequences for all components, allowing synchronized positioning that eliminates manual adjustments and improves productivity while managing complexity through unified control logic.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Ease of operation

If maximum extension of leg rest is achieved through manual manipulation, then ease of operation deteriorates requiring hand contact, but device complexity is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of leg rest positioningVSAvoidcontamination from hand contact

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual manipulation of the leg rest with an automated actuator that extends and retracts the leg rest assembly programmatically. This eliminates the need for hand contact with the leg rest, preventing contamination while providing easy, button-controlled operation. The actuator system can be controlled through foot pedals or wireless controls, maintaining sterility in the examination environment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS10632037B2Programmable examination and procedure tables and chairs

Publication Date: 2020.04.28 MEDICAL TECH IND

AI summary

Examination or procedure tables and chairs which can be moved into positions in more efficient and desirable ways to better meet the needs of the patient and medical service providers. In particular, a plurality of actuators which cause the seat, leg rest and foot rest of the table or chair to move and which may, if desired, be independently programmed to provide mechanically independent movement of the seat, leg rest and foot rest to desirable positions needed to provide ease of entry or transfer by the patient to the equipment including positioning the highest portion of the seat to a home or patient entry position no more than nineteen inches from the floor.