Removable Patient Deck With Self-Actuating Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing patient-support apparatuses, such as birthing beds, often lack the ability to efficiently move or remove deck sections to enhance caregiver access during medical procedures, limiting access to critical areas of the patient.
Innovation Solution
A patient-support apparatus with articulating deck sections that are removable and stowable, featuring a locking mechanism actuated by a cushion assembly and a storage structure with a bias assembly to support the deck section during movement, allowing for secure engagement and storage of the deck section.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the deck section is made removable to improve caregiver access, then access to critical areas is improved, but the complexity of the support apparatus increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patient-support apparatus is divided into modular components including a removable deck section that can be separated from the support frame. This segmentation allows the deck section to be independently removed and repositioned to provide caregiver access to critical areas during procedures, while the support frame and other components remain in place.
Solution Approach 2:
The deck section is designed with dynamic characteristics, including movable support brackets and a locking mechanism that allows it to transition between fixed and removable states. The deck section can be dynamically repositioned along the support frame and securely locked in place when needed, then easily removed when access is required.
2Area of stationary object
If the deck section is made stowable to reduce clutter in delivery room, then space utilization is improved, but the mechanism for storing and retrieving the deck section becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The deck section is designed to nest within the support frame structure when not in use. The support brackets can be positioned within the frame, and the deck section can be stored in a compact configuration that utilizes the existing space of the support apparatus, effectively reducing clutter in the delivery room without requiring additional storage space.
Solution Approach 2:
The storage structure includes pre-configured guides and positioning mechanisms that automatically guide the deck section into the correct storage position when retracted. The locking mechanism is pre-positioned to engage with the deck section during the stowing process, eliminating the need for complex manual positioning procedures.
3Reliability
If a locking mechanism is added to secure the deck section, then reliability of deck section attachment is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is designed to be self-actuating through the cushion assembly. When the cushion assembly is positioned on the deck section, its weight and position automatically trigger the locking mechanism to engage the deck section with the support frame. The mechanism self-latches and maintains secure attachment without requiring additional actuators, controls, or complex operation procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The cushion assembly serves as an intermediary element that mediates between the deck section and the locking mechanism. The cushion assembly's positioning and weight automatically activate the locking mechanism, providing a simple and reliable connection without requiring direct manual operation of the locking components.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the storage structure is made moveable to adapt to different positions, then adaptability is improved, but the stability of the storage position decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The storage structure is designed with dynamic positioning capabilities, allowing it to move along the support frame to different locations. The structure includes movable components that can be repositioned to accommodate different patient positions and procedure requirements, providing flexibility in storage location while maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The storage structure incorporates feedback mechanisms through guides and positioning systems that automatically adjust and stabilize the deck section at the correct storage position. The guides provide continuous feedback during movement, ensuring the deck section is accurately positioned and securely held, while the locking mechanism provides final confirmation of stable positioning.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables improved access for caregivers by allowing the deck section to be securely moved and stored, maintaining patient safety and reducing clutter in the delivery room.
Implementation Method 1
The bias assembly may comprise springs which urge the frame of the storage structure to a home position wherein the frame is configured to maintain the foot deck section in a generally horizontal storage position
Implementation Method 2
The locking mechanism may be biased to a position in which an engagement pin of the locking mechanism is retracted within the frame of the foot deck section
Data Source
AI summary
A patient-support apparatus includes a patient-support deck movable from a use position to a stowed position. The patient-support deck is configured to engage receivers of the patient-support apparatus to support the deck in a cantilevered configuration. The patient-support deck may be secured to the patient-support apparatus by a locking mechanism. A storage structure is configured to support the patient-support deck in a stowed position. The storage structure is configured to deflect under load to prevent damage to the storage structure or patient-support deck.