Retractable Hood Assembly for Warming Therapy Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional warming therapy devices require complete removal of the hood component for patient access, exposing patients to ambient conditions and risking injury from falling off the platform, with limited access even in modified designs with lateral openings.
Innovation Solution
A retractable hood assembly with a pivotable top portion and adjustable sidewalls, allowing for unencumbered access without removing the entire hood, using hinged, sliding, or rotating mechanisms to position the top and sidewalls for safe and complete access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the entire hood component is removed for patient access, then complete access to the patient is achieved, but the patient is exposed to ambient surroundings and at risk of falling off the platform
Solution Approach 1:
The hood assembly is divided into multiple independent segments: a base portion that remains stationary and a retractable top portion that can be independently moved. This segmentation allows the top portion to be accessed while the base portion maintains the protective enclosure, enabling patient access without complete hood removal and thereby preventing exposure to ambient conditions and fall risks.
2Ease of operation
If the hood component is configured with openings in lateral walls for access, then some patient access is improved, but full access for removing the patient is still limited
Solution Approach 1:
The hood assembly incorporates dynamic, movable components including a retractable top portion that can be pulled forward along guide members and rotated. This dynamic design transforms the static hood with fixed openings into an adaptable structure that can be reconfigured to provide various degrees of access, from partial access through lateral openings to full access by completely removing the top portion, thereby achieving both improved access and full adaptability.
Data Source
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AI summary
An apparatus and method for providing patient access in a warming therapy device (e.g., incubator, warmer, etc.) is described. In one exemplary embodiment, the apparatus comprises a hood with a retractable top member, which permits access to a patient disposed within the warming therapy device without lowering or removal of one or more sidewalls of the hood.