Removable Brake Actuator Coupling for Secure Patient Support Wheels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing brake systems for patient support apparatuses, such as healthcare facility beds, are prone to unauthorized movement due to forgotten or improperly installed brake pedals, posing risks of injury and unauthorized displacement, especially in mental healthcare settings where removable pedals are desirable but pose additional challenges.
Innovation Solution
A brake system with a removable actuating tool featuring complementary coupling portions on the braking mechanism and actuating tool, allowing easy engagement and disengagement, and an outer sleeve to prevent unauthorized operation, ensuring secure and visual status confirmation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a removable brake pedal is used to allow easy operation and removal, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to forgotten or improper installation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (the outer sleeve with coupling portions) between the brake pedal and the braking mechanism. This intermediary ensures proper connection through complementary coupling portions that guide correct installation, while the visual indication system acts as another intermediary to communicate brake status to users, preventing forgotten brake application.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs visual indication mechanisms (such as color-coded indicators or visible positional markers) that change appearance based on brake status. When the brake is properly engaged or disengaged, the indicator provides immediate visual feedback, eliminating reliance on user memory and ensuring reliable brake operation.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the brake pedal is made removable for security reasons, then protection against unauthorized movement is improved, but ease of operation worsens due to installation complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses asymmetric complementary coupling portions where the outer sleeve has a specific orientation that only accepts the brake pedal in the correct position. This asymmetric design prevents unauthorized or incorrect installation while maintaining ease of operation through a simple snap-fit or click-in mechanism that requires no tools or complex procedures.
3Reliability
If visual confirmation of brake status is added, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service visual indication system where the brake mechanism itself provides the visual feedback without requiring separate electronic sensors, motors, or complex signaling systems. The indication is derived directly from the mechanical state of the brake through simple visual elements integrated into the existing structure, maintaining reliability while minimizing added complexity.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A brake system for a patient support apparatus including at least one wheel is disclosed. The brake system comprises a braking mechanism to be operatively coupled to at least one wheel of the patient support apparatus. The braking mechanism includes a first coupling portion movable between a lock position for locking the corresponding wheel, and an unlock position for allowing rotation of the wheel. The brake system comprises an actuating tool comprising a second coupling portion complementary to the first coupling portion of the braking mechanism and allowing removably connecting the actuating tool to the braking mechanism of the patient support apparatus. The first and second coupling portions are adapted for allowing engagement between the braking mechanism and the actuating tool to urge the braking mechanism between the lock and unlock positions, and are further adapted for allowing disengagement of the actuating tool from the braking mechanism.