Removable Endboard Controls for Patient Support Propulsion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing patient support apparatuses face challenges in controlling powered propulsion systems efficiently, as controls for these systems are often integrated into push handles that obstruct access and require complex, costly mechanisms, and endboards with control panels are not easily removable.

Innovation Solution

A patient support apparatus with a removably coupled endboard that includes user inputs for controlling a propulsion system, where the endboard is secured via a coupling mechanism providing an electrical connection to the frame, allowing seamless operation and integration of propulsion controls without obstructing access.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If controls for powered propulsion system are integrated into push handles, then propulsion control is accessible, but push handles become complex and costly with foldable mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccessibility of propulsion controlsVSAvoidcomplexity of push handle mechanisms

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control panel for the powered propulsion system is extracted from the push handle and relocated to the endboard. This separation allows the push handle to remain simple and fixed while the controls are accessible through the removable endboard, eliminating the need for complex foldable mechanisms in the push handle.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The endboard is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides structural support, offers access to the patient, and houses the control panel for the powered propulsion system. This multi-functionality consolidates controls in a single location without requiring additional mechanisms in the push handle.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If electrical connector is provided separately from mechanical coupling structure, then endboard can be removably coupled, but control integration becomes complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveremovability of endboardVSAvoidintegration of control and mechanical structures

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The electrical connector and mechanical coupling structure are merged into a single integrated coupling mechanism. This integration allows the endboard to be removably coupled to the frame while automatically establishing electrical connections for control signals, eliminating the need for separate electrical connectors and reducing overall complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS20260060859A1Patient support apparatus having endboard with integrated electrical system input

Publication Date: 2026.03.05 HILL ROM SERVICES INC

AI summary

A patient support apparatus includes a frame and an electrical system coupled to the frame and operable to operate an electrical function of the patient support apparatus. An endboard is removably coupled to the frame by a coupling mechanism that provides an electrical connection to a mating coupling mechanism of the frame. The endboard has a user input in electrical communication with the coupling mechanism so that an input received from a user at the user input is communicated electrically to the electrical system via the electrical connection to operate an electrical function of the patient support apparatus.