Retractable Patient Support Assembly for Device Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current solutions for securing medical equipment on patient transportation systems are inadequate, failing to provide quick release, secure attachment, ease of access, and support for multiple devices, especially in critical care scenarios, and can hinder patient transfer.
Innovation Solution
A support assembly with a movable support unit and connector units that can be easily attached to patient supports, allowing the support unit to transition between retracted and extended positions, featuring a locking mechanism for stability and a handle for ease of movement, and includes features like shelves, legs, and feet for securing various medical devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If medical equipment is secured using straps or seat belts near the patient, then the equipment can be attached to the patient system, but the equipment cannot be quickly released or accessed, and patient access is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The support assembly is divided into separate components: connector units that attach to the patient support frame, and support units that hold medical equipment. This segmentation allows the equipment support function to be separated from the patient support function, enabling quick attachment/detachment without restricting patient access.
Solution Approach 2:
The support assembly acts as an intermediary structure between the patient support system and medical equipment. Instead of directly strapping equipment to the patient or support, the connector units interface with the patient support frame while support units provide equipment mounting, creating an intermediate platform that resolves the conflict between secure attachment and easy access.
2Quantity of substance
If multiple medical devices are transported on the patient support system, then critical care equipment can accompany the patient, but the cumulative weight and number of devices make current mounting solutions inadequate
Solution Approach 1:
The support assembly provides universal mounting capability through multiple support units (first, second, and third support units) that can each hold different medical devices. The connector units can be attached at various locations on the patient support frame, allowing multiple devices to be securely mounted at different positions, accommodating critical care equipment needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The support units extend in multiple spatial dimensions from the patient support system. Support units can be positioned at head end, foot end, and side portions of the support, utilizing three-dimensional space around the patient area. This dimensional distribution allows multiple heavy devices to be supported without concentrating weight at a single point.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the support assembly is extended to support multiple devices, then more equipment can be accommodated, but the assembly becomes more complex and harder to attach
Solution Approach 1:
The support assembly is segmented into modular connector units and support units that can be independently attached and configured. Each connector unit is a self-contained component that interfaces with the patient support frame, while each support unit is a separate module for mounting equipment. This segmentation reduces overall assembly complexity by breaking down the system into manageable, standardized components.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector units are designed to be pre-configured with attachment mechanisms (such as quick-connect interfaces) that simplify the assembly process. By preparing the connection interfaces in advance with standardized mounting features, the actual attachment operation becomes straightforward despite the overall system's versatility and capacity for multiple devices.
Data Source
AI summary
A support assembly attachable to a patient support is disclosed. The support assembly includes a support unit configured to support one or more devices, and two connector units removably attachable to the patient support. The support unit includes a shelf for supporting one or more devices, two support legs extending downwardly from the support shelf and spaced apart from each other, and two support feet. The two connector units each include a patient support attachment portion removably attachable to the patient support, and a support unit attachment portion removably attachable to the respective support unit. The support unit attachment portion and the respective support foot include inter-engageable elements which can be moved relative to one another to move the support unit between an extended position and a retracted position when the two connector units are attached to the support unit. A patient support assembly is also disclosed.