Rotating Bed-Mounted Helper Arm for Bariatric Patient Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Bariatric patients require patient helpers that can withstand significantly higher loads than standard patients, and existing solutions often fail to provide adequate support and adjustability for comfortable repositioning and access without being overly obtrusive.
Innovation Solution
A patient helper apparatus with a rotatable support arm and bracket system that can be securely mounted on a hospital bed, allowing the support arm to pivot through a 180-degree range, accommodating bariatric patient loads up to 1000 pounds and allowing for easy repositioning and access by rotating the arm out of the way when not in use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the patient helper is designed to withstand high loads for bariatric patients, then the strength and support capability are improved, but the device complexity and structural size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patient helper is divided into separate modular components: a bracket assembly for mounting to the bed, a rotatable support arm, and a handle assembly. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently for strength while maintaining overall system manageability and reducing perceived complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The support arm incorporates a rotational joint that allows it to pivot between a first position (extending over the bed) and a second position (retracted). This dynamic capability enables the structure to adapt to different operational states, providing full support when needed while minimizing obstruction and structural presence when not in use.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the support arm is made rotatable for flexible positioning, then the adaptability and ease of operation are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support arm is equipped with a rotational joint that enables it to pivot between a first position (extending over the bed) and a second position (retracted). This dynamic capability provides positioning flexibility while the mechanical joint design keeps the added complexity manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotational joint is designed to be manually operated by the patient without requiring external assistance or complex control mechanisms. The patient can independently rotate the support arm to desired positions using their own body weight and strength, eliminating the need for motors, sensors, or electronic controls.
3Reliability
If the patient helper provides robust support for bariatric patients, then the reliability and safety are improved, but the device becomes more obtrusive when not in use
Solution Approach 1:
The support arm can be rotated to a retracted position when not in use, allowing it to be moved out of the way and minimizing its visual and physical presence. This dynamic repositioning capability maintains the robust support structure needed for reliability while eliminating obtrusiveness during non-operational states.
Solution Approach 2:
The support arm can be completely removed or extracted from the bracket assembly when not needed, leaving only the minimal bracket structure mounted to the bed. This extraction capability eliminates the obtrusive elements while preserving the reliable support function when the arm is installed and positioned correctly.
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 apparatus effectively supports bariatric patients with high loads, enabling safe repositioning and easy access for healthcare without the need for removal, while minimizing obtrusiveness when not in use, thus enhancing patient care and operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
A second bearing surface is located in the interior volume and insertion of the mounting member through the lower open end of the support arm engages the first and second bearing surfaces
Data Source
AI summary
A patient helper apparatus that is attachable to a hospital bed is provided. The apparatus includes a bracket that is mountable on the hospital bed, a support arm rotatably mountable on the bracket, and a handle assembly that can be gripped by a patient.