Universal Reclining Armrest Assembly for Stable IV Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Articulated chairs used in medical procedures face challenges in maintaining a stable and favorable arm position for intravenous procedures, as existing armrest systems require multiple sets and are not adaptable to changes in chair position, leading to undesirable arm positions during reclining or upright movements.
Innovation Solution
An articulated chair with a universal reclining or pivoting system that includes a pivoting mechanism and an armrest adapter assembly with adjustable components, such as ball joints and channels, to maintain a desired armrest position throughout the chair's range of motion, ensuring compatibility with various patient anatomies and procedural needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sets of interchangeable armrests are used to accommodate different chair positions, then the armrest can be matched to specific procedures, but the device complexity increases and requires multiple sets of armrests
Solution Approach 1:
The armrest assembly is designed with a universal mounting system that can be used in multiple chair positions (upright, reclined, semi-reclined) without requiring different armrest sets. The pivoting mechanism and adjustable components allow a single armrest assembly to adapt to various procedural needs, eliminating the need for multiple interchangeable sets.
Solution Approach 2:
The armrest assembly incorporates dynamic elements including a pivoting mechanism that allows the armrest to rotate and adjust its orientation. This dynamic adjustment capability enables the armrest to maintain proper positioning regardless of chair configuration changes, providing adaptability without requiring multiple static armrest sets.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the chair is moved from upright to reclined position during intravenous procedure, then patient positioning flexibility is improved, but the arm position changes to an undesirable position
Solution Approach 1:
The armrest assembly includes a pivoting mechanism with multiple degrees of freedom that allows it to dynamically adjust its position. When the chair transitions between upright and reclined positions, the armrest can pivot and rotate to compensate for the position change, maintaining the arm in a favorable position for intravenous procedures throughout the range of motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The armrest assembly utilizes adjustable parameters including pivot angles, rotation degrees, and positioning mechanisms that can be modified to maintain optimal arm position. These parameter adjustments allow the armrest to compensate for chair position changes and maintain stable arm positioning despite variations in chair configuration.
3Ease of manufacture
If fixed armrest position is used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but the armrest cannot adapt to changes in chair position
Solution Approach 1:
The armrest assembly incorporates a pivoting mechanism with movable joints that allow dynamic adjustment while maintaining relatively simple manufacturing. The design uses standard mechanical components such as pivots, joints, and adjustment mechanisms that can be manufactured using conventional processes, providing adaptability without excessive manufacturing complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A universal reclining armrest system for use with an articulated examination chair. The system includes an armrest adapter having a universal aperture for receiving a post portion of an armrest assembly. The armrest adapter further includes a splined peg for coupling to a pivoting mechanism of an articulated chair. The pivoting mechanism enables the chair to move throughout an operable range of motion while maintaining a fixed rotational position of an attached armrest adapter. The armrest assembly further includes an adjustable joint to provide 360° of rotational adjustment to the armrest relative to the fixed position of the armrest adapter.