Retractable Bed Barrier With Hinged Patient Rolling Handle
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Solution Overview
Problem
Medical beds often have barriers that obstruct access to equipment under the sleeping surface when in the retracted position, and existing handles for patient rolling are not easily accessible or adapted for comfortable grip, posing challenges for caregivers and patients with reduced mobility.
Innovation Solution
A medical bed design featuring retractable barriers with integrated handles that are hinged to the frame, positioned for easy access and grip, and designed to minimize obstruction while allowing patient rolling and reducing the risk of injury, without increasing manufacturing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the barrier is placed in the retracted position to allow access to equipment under the sleeping surface, then access to equipment is improved, but the barrier blocks access under the sleeping surface
Solution Approach 1:
The barrier is divided into multiple segments that can move independently relative to each other. When in the retracted position, the segments fold against each other to create a compact configuration that does not block access to equipment under the sleeping surface, while still maintaining the barrier function when raised.
Solution Approach 2:
The barrier employs articulated joints allowing it to change its configuration dynamically. In the raised position, the barrier segments extend to provide patient protection. In the retracted position, the segments fold against each other to minimize the horizontal projection, enabling access to equipment without requiring the barrier to be completely removed.
2Area of stationary object
If the barrier is made compact in the retracted position to reduce side space occupation, then space efficiency is improved, but the barrier may block access under the sleeping surface
Solution Approach 1:
The barrier consists of multiple articulated segments that can fold against each other. When retracted, the segments are arranged in a compact configuration that minimizes both the horizontal space occupied at the side of the bed and the vertical projection that could block access to equipment underneath.
3Device complexity
If existing handles are used for patient rolling, then the structure is simple, but the handles are not easily accessible or adapted for comfortable grip
Solution Approach 1:
The handle is designed with specific local characteristics: it is positioned at an optimal height and location on the barrier segment, and its cross-sectional shape is specifically configured to provide a comfortable grip. These localized modifications to the handle's position and geometry significantly improve patient usability without requiring a complete redesign of the entire barrier structure.
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
The solution provides a medical bed with retractable barriers and handles that facilitate patient rolling, enhance accessibility, and reduce the risk of injury, while maintaining a compact design that does not elevate manufacturing costs.
Implementation Method 1
a head barrier (6) hinged to the frame (4 superior) and retractable
Implementation Method 2
uprights mounted to pivot about transverse axes, for example on a side member of the bed, and interconnected by bars parallel to the side member, and also pivotally mounted on the uprights about transverse axes
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3
AI summary
The bed (1) has a retractable head barrier (6) articulated at an upper frame (4) on which a lying surface is fixed. The barrier is extended below an upper plane of mattress in a retracted position. The barrier has a handle (22) in the shape of arc of a circle for assisting to side rolling of the patient. The handle is mounted to articulate with the barrier between a folded position in which the handle is extended below an upper surface of the mattress in the retracted position and a raised position in which the handle is partially projected above the mattress in the retracted position.