Siderail Latching Mechanism to Prevent False Latching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing siderail latching mechanisms in person support apparatuses are prone to false latching conditions, where external forces can cause the siderail to appear latched but not be securely maintained in the deployed position, leading to unintended movement between positions.
Innovation Solution
A siderail assembly with a movement mechanism that engages bumpers to resist movement to the deployed position and a latch mechanism to securely maintain the siderail in the deployed position, featuring a pin and slot configuration with a spring-dampened link arm system that deforms the bumpers to ensure proper latching.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a simple latching mechanism is used, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability deteriorates due to false latching conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The bumper protrusion is pre-positioned on the siderail panel to engage with the movement mechanism before the siderail reaches the deployed position. This preliminary engagement prevents false latching by ensuring proper alignment and resistance to external forces before the latch engages, without requiring a complex multi-component latching system.
2Ease of operation
If the siderail allows easy movement between positions, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to unintended movement from external forces
Solution Approach 1:
The bumper protrusion creates preliminary resistance to movement in the direction of the deployed position before the latch engages. This anti-action counteracts external forces applied to the siderail, preventing unintended movement while allowing controlled movement when the latch is properly engaged or disengaged by the user.
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
Prevents false latching conditions by ensuring the siderail is securely maintained in the deployed position through the deformation of bumpers and engagement with the latch mechanism, providing a reliable and stable positioning system.
Implementation Method 1
A portion of the movement mechanism is configured to engage the bumper as the movement mechanism is moved from the storage position toward the deployed position and to deform the bumper as the movement mechanism moves the panel into the deployed position.
Data Source
AI summary
A siderail assembly configured to move between a storage position and a deployed position comprises a base, a siderail body, and a movement mechanism. The a base is configured to coupled to a person support apparatus. The siderail body includes a biasing portion configured to bias the siderail body toward the storage position. The movement mechanism is coupled to the base and the siderail body and is configured to move the siderail body between the deployed position and the storage position. The movement mechanism engages the biasing portion as the movement mechanism moves the siderail body from the storage position toward the deployed position. The movement mechanism overcomes the bias of the biasing portion to move the siderail body to the deployed position.