Single-Wheel Drive System for Bariatric Bed Maneuverability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Bariatric patient beds with dual-wheel drive systems are cumbersome and costly due to the need for advanced controls and motorized steering, and existing trapeze systems limit access to patients, especially when trying to maneuver or reposition them.
Innovation Solution
A bariatric patient management system featuring a single-wheel drive system with a motorized wheel and an improved trapeze boom design that allows for easier maneuverability and access, utilizing a spring guide and toggle mount assembly for the drive system and a pivotally adjustable trapeze frame pole that extends below the headboard, enabling easier patient access and transport.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a dual-wheel drive system is used to transport bariatric patient beds, then the transport capability is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase due to the need for motorized steering and advanced controls
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the steering function from the dual-wheel drive system by removing one wheel, converting it into a single-wheel drive system. This eliminates the need for complex motorized steering mechanisms and advanced controls while maintaining adequate transport capability for bariatric patient beds.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using two driven wheels with complex steering, the patent inverts the approach by using one driven wheel combined with a manually maneuverable configuration, simplifying the control system while achieving the same transport function.
2Power
If a dual-wheel drive system is used to transport bariatric patient beds, then the transport capability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates as manual steering adjustments become increasingly difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes one of the two driven wheels, converting the system to a single-wheel drive configuration. This extraction simplifies manual steering adjustments and improves ease of operation while maintaining sufficient transport capability for heavy bariatric patient beds.
3Stability of the object's composition
If multiple supports are added to the patient trapeze, then the structural stability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates by limiting access to the patient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the trapeze support structure into multiple components including a headboard-mounted support and a footboard-mounted support, allowing the trapeze bar to be stabilized at both ends while maintaining clear access to the patient from the headboard side.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extends the trapeze support structure into a third dimension by using vertical posts mounted on the headboard and footboard, allowing the trapeze bar to hover over the patient without obstructing access from the sides or head of the bed.
Data Source
AI summary
A bariatric patient management system includes a single-wheel drive system having bi-directional variable speed control through use of a variable control joystick. The single-wheel drive system is disposed on an underside of the bariatric patient management system and engages a floor surface when the bariatric bed is in a lowermost position. The bariatric patient management system further includes a removable headboard having a disconnect feature for disconnecting the variable control joystick from the single-wheel drive system when the headboard is removed. A plurality of three-setting casters is used in conjunction with the single-wheel drive to allow the bariatric patient management system to be manually turned when transported from one location to another. The bariatric patient management system further includes an improved trapeze boom that allows for additional access to a patient adjacent the headboard of the bariatric patient management system.