Patient Support Side Rail Timing Link Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing patient support apparatus side rails lack efficient mechanisms for movement and locking, often requiring complex assemblies and experiencing wear due to impact energy, which complicates assembly and maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A patient support apparatus with a side rail featuring a timing link and latch mechanism, combined with dampers like gas springs or rubber bumpers, allows for smooth movement and secure locking, reducing wear and simplifying assembly by using a compact mounting system that absorbs energy and provides counterbalance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a complex mounting mechanism is used for side rail movement, then the side rail can achieve secure locking positions, but the device complexity increases and assembly becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The timing link integrates multiple functions into a single component: it synchronizes the movement of both arms, provides locking engagement surfaces, and ensures coordinated operation. This merging of functions reduces the number of separate components needed while maintaining reliable locking capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The timing link serves multiple purposes simultaneously: it acts as a synchronization mechanism for dual-arm coordination, provides locking engagement surfaces for the latch, and ensures both arms reach locked positions together. This multi-functionality simplifies the overall mounting mechanism while maintaining reliability.
2Ease of manufacture
If traditional mounting mechanisms are used for side rails, then assembly is straightforward, but wear occurs due to impact energy during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The dampers are pre-installed in the mounting mechanism to absorb impact energy before it can cause wear to critical components. This beforehand cushioning protects the timing link, latch, and pivot connections from wear during side rail operation while maintaining assembly simplicity.
3Reliability
If heavy-duty locking mechanisms are used to secure side rails, then locking reliability improves, but the weight of the side rail assembly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The timing link and latch mechanism are designed to automatically synchronize and lock both arms simultaneously through their own mechanical geometry. The timing link's configuration ensures that when one arm reaches the locked position, the other arm is automatically positioned to lock as well, eliminating the need for heavy-duty actuators or complex control systems.
4Length of moving object
If a compact mounting system is used to reduce profile, then the side rail maintains a low profile, but the mechanism for smooth movement and locking becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The timing link and latch mechanism are nested within the side rail assembly in a space-efficient configuration. The timing link is positioned to engage with the latch mechanism, and both components are integrated into the existing side rail structure, maintaining a compact profile while providing smooth movement and secure locking.
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 enables smooth, energy-efficient movement and secure locking of side rails, reducing wear and tear, and simplifying the assembly process while maintaining a low profile, thus enhancing the operational efficiency and durability of the patient support apparatus.
Implementation Method 1
the side rail comprises one or more dampers to absorb energy when the side rail is impacted by a force
Implementation Method 2
the patient support apparatus further comprises a spring. The spring is supported in the side rail to allow the spring to apply a force in a first direction and a second direction opposed to the first direction to provide a counterbalance to the weight of the side rail
Implementation Method 3
the damper may comprise a spring, such as a gas spring
Data Source
AI summary
A patient support apparatus that comprises a frame and a side rail mounted to the frame. The side rail comprises a side rail body and a pair of arms mounting the side rail body for rotational movement relative to the frame. The pair of arms has a pair of upper pivot connections connected to the side rail body and a pair of lower pivot connections for mounting to the frame. The upper pivot connections engage a timing link.