Head-End Transport Handles and IV Pole for Clear Caregiver Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing patient support apparatuses face challenges in providing adequate access and reducing interference for caregivers when handling and transporting patients, as handles and IV poles often impinge on the recessed edge space, limiting caregiver mobility and access.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates pivotable handles that rotate inwardly and over the frame, an adjustable IV pole that stows along the recessed edge, and a cover that aligns with the frame to minimize interference, along with bumpers on lift arms to prevent caregiver contact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If handles are positioned on the head portion, then caregiver access to patient is improved, but handles impinge on recessed edge space and interfere with caregiver mobility
Solution Approach 1:
The handles are designed to be pivotable between a first position for transport and a second position for patient access. This dynamic repositioning allows the handles to adapt to different operational needs, clearing the recessed edge space when not needed for transport, thereby eliminating interference with caregiver mobility while maintaining ease of operation when positioned for use.
Solution Approach 2:
The handles are configured to pivot from a horizontal arrangement to a vertical arrangement, utilizing the vertical dimension to clear the recessed edge space. By moving the handles from the first position (impinging on recessed edge) to the second position (clearing recessed edge), the design resolves the spatial conflict without compromising accessibility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If IV pole is positioned on head portion, then medical equipment support is provided, but IV pole impinges on recessed edge space and limits caregiver mobility
Solution Approach 1:
The IV pole is designed to be adjustable between a deployed position for supporting medical equipment and a stowed position that clears the recessed edge space. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the IV pole to provide medical equipment support when needed while eliminating interference with caregiver mobility during patient handling operations.
3Ease of operation
If lift arms are positioned in space defined by recessed edge, then upper frame adjustment is enabled, but lift arms contact caregiver and cause injury
Solution Approach 1:
Bumpers are attached to the lift arms in advance to provide protective cushioning. These bumpers prevent direct contact between the lift arms and caregiver during patient handling operations, thereby eliminating the harmful effect of potential injury while maintaining the upper frame adjustment capability.
4Ease of operation
If handles pivot inward to lowered position, then space within recessed edge is cleared, but handles may interfere with upper frame
Solution Approach 1:
The handles are designed with controlled pivot motion that allows them to transition from the first position to the second position while maintaining clearance from the upper frame. The pivotable mechanism enables the handles to clear the recessed edge space for caregiver access without creating interference with the upper frame structure.
Data Source
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AI summary
A patient support apparatus (10) includes a base frame (14A) and an upper frame (14B) configured to support a mattress (66). The upper frame (14B) has a head portion (18) including a recessed edge (22). Lift arms (206) are coupled to the upper frame (14B) and configured to adjust a position of the upper frame (14B). A first handle (26) is coupled to the head portion (18) on a first side of the recessed edge (22). A second handle (28) is coupled to the head portion (18) on a second side of the recessed edge (22). The first and second handles (26, 28) are configured to pivot inboard and toward one another to a lowered position (34) extending over the upper frame (14B) adjacent to the recessed edge (22). An intravenous pole (38) is pivotally coupled to the head portion (18) and is adjustable between a deployed position (46) and a stowed position (42). The intravenous pole (38) extends along a rear wall (120) of the recessed edge (22) over the upper frame (14B) when in the stowed position (42).