Siderail Latch Mechanism to Prevent False Latching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing siderail assemblies for person-support apparatuses often experience false latching conditions due to external forces, which can cause the siderail to inadvertently move from a deployed to a storage position, leading to safety and operational issues.
Innovation Solution
A latching mechanism featuring a link assembly and a pin that rotates to disengage from the link assembly when a false latching condition occurs, ensuring the siderail remains in the deployed position by preventing partial engagement of the pin assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a latching mechanism is used to maintain the siderail in deployed and storage positions, then the siderail can be selectively maintained in positions, but false latching conditions can occur causing the siderail to inadvertently move from deployed to storage position
Solution Approach 1:
The pin is designed with a rotation capability that allows it to automatically disengage from the link assembly when external forces create a false latching condition. This preliminary anti-action mechanism prevents the harmful effect of false latching by enabling the pin to rotate and disconnect before the siderail can inadvertently move to the storage position
Solution Approach 2:
The latching mechanism transitions from a static connection to a dynamic one, where the pin can rotate relative to the link assembly. This dynamic feature allows the system to respond to external forces by rotating the pin to disengage, thereby preventing false latching while maintaining reliable latching under normal operating conditions
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 mechanism effectively prevents false latching conditions by ensuring the siderail remains securely in the deployed position, enhancing safety and operational reliability by providing a clear indication of full latching through an audible 'click' when the pin is fully engaged.
Implementation Method 1
a pin configured to rotate with respect to the link assembly when a false latching condition occurs to disengage the link assembly from the pin
Implementation Method 2
providing a clear indication of full latching through an audible 'click' when the pin is fully engaged
Data Source
AI summary
A latch mechanism for a siderail assembly comprises a handle, a link assembly, and a pin. The handle is configured to be moved between a first position and a second position. The link assembly is coupled to the handle and configured to move between a latch position and an unlatch position as a function of the movement of the handle. The pin is configured to be engaged by the link assembly and is configured to rotate from a first rotational orientation to a second rotational orientation to disengage the link assembly from the pin when a false latching condition occurs.