Retractable Side Rail Mounting Assembly for Space-Saving Bed Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing patient care beds with retractable side rails face interference issues when trying to install or remove side rails, as mounting structures that extend outwardly can obstruct patients and caregivers, and there is a need for a solution that allows easy installation and removal while minimizing space usage.
Innovation Solution
A retractable side rail mounting assembly that includes a rail-receiving member and a support rod, which is slidably and rotatably coupled to the bed frame, allowing the side rail to be easily transitioned between a storage and use position, with a biasing member to facilitate the storage orientation and a spring pin for secure engagement, ensuring the side rail is out of the way when not in use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If mounting structures extend outwardly from the bed frame to facilitate side rail installation and removal, then ease of operation is improved, but the bed dimensions increase and interference with patient access occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting structure is designed to be dynamically reconfigurable, transitioning between an extended configuration during side rail installation/removal and a retracted configuration during normal bed use. The support rod can be positioned in different locations relative to the bed frame, allowing the mounting structure to extend outwardly only when needed for operation, and retract inwardly to minimize space usage and interference with patient access.
2Ease of operation
If mounting structures extend outwardly from the bed frame, then ease of operation is improved, but interference with patient ability to get in or out of bed occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting structure employs dynamic positioning capability, allowing the support rod to be repositioned between an extended position that facilitates side rail installation and removal, and a retracted position that eliminates interference with patient access. This dynamic adjustment ensures the mounting structure is only present in the interference-causing location when actually needed for operational purposes.
3Ease of operation
If mounting structures extend outwardly from the bed frame, then ease of operation is improved, but obstacles to others in the vicinity are created
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting structure is designed with dynamic reconfigurability, allowing the support rod to extend outwardly only when needed for side rail installation and removal operations. When not in use, the support rod retracts inwardly, eliminating obstacles for other people in the vicinity of the bed while maintaining the capability for easy side rail installation and removal when required.
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 allows for seamless installation and removal of side rails without obstructing patient access or space, enhancing safety and usability by providing a compact storage option when not in use, thus addressing the interference issues with the existing mounting structures.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing member to facilitate the storage orientation
Implementation Method 2
a spring pin for secure engagement
Data Source
AI summary
A patient care bed includes a frame, a side rail, and a side rail mounting assembly. The side rail mounting assembly includes a rail-receiving member defining a passageway configured to releasably receive the side rail and a support rod fixedly engaged to and extending from the rail-receiving member. The support rod is slidable relative to the frame between a storage position, wherein the rail-receiving member is disposed within the frame, and a use position, wherein the rail-receiving member is disposed outside the frame. The support rod is rotatable relative to the frame between a storage orientation, wherein the rail-receiving member is horizontal, and a use orientation, wherein the rail-receiving member is vertical. The side rail mounting assembly is transitionable between a storage condition, corresponding to the storage position and orientation of the support rod, and a use condition, corresponding to the use position and orientation of the support rod.