Spring Assist Mechanism for Head Deck CPR Repositioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current patient positioning systems face challenges in efficiently repositioning a patient from an elevated head of bed angle to a horizontal position for CPR, particularly in scenarios where power or electronic failures occur, as they lack a reliable and assistive mechanism to smoothly adjust the head support deck section within the required angle range.
Innovation Solution
A spring assist system is integrated into the person support apparatus, comprising a spring assembly that applies force to assist the motion of the head support deck section from a higher inclination to a lower inclination, specifically between 0 and 50 degrees, ensuring smooth transition and providing assistance in case of power failures or actuator malfunctions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a spring assist system is added to assist head support deck section motion, then the ease of operation and reliability during CPR are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring assist system is designed to automatically provide assistance force during the CPR repositioning process without requiring external power or electronic control. The spring mechanism self-activates when the head support deck section is moved from elevated to horizontal position, providing reliable mechanical assistance that activates exactly when needed during emergency CPR procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring assembly is pre-configured with appropriate force characteristics to cushion and assist the repositioning motion before the actual CPR procedure begins. The spring is positioned and pre-loaded to provide smooth, controlled assistance force that prevents abrupt movements and ensures safe repositioning when emergency CPR is required.
2Ease of operation
If a spring assist system is integrated into the person support apparatus, then the ease of operation for repositioning is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring assist system operates autonomously during the repositioning process, requiring no external power source, electronic control, or complex actuation mechanisms. Caregers simply need to initiate the repositioning motion, and the spring mechanism automatically provides assistance force, making the system easy to operate while adding minimal complexity compared to powered alternatives.
3Reliability
If the spring assembly applies force exclusively between first and second positions, then the reliability of assistive force is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring assembly is designed with specific local characteristics including predetermined spring constant, compression length, and mounting positions that ensure reliable assistive force is applied only within the desired angle range (first and second positions). The spring mechanism is locally optimized to provide force exclusively during the critical repositioning phase, avoiding unintended activation during other bed operations.
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 spring assist system enables safe and efficient repositioning of the head support deck section, providing a spring force that aids caregivers in lowering the angle during CPR, ensuring patient safety and operational reliability even in power failure situations, while minimizing side loading on the deck section.
Implementation Method 1
a spring configured to apply spring force assisting motion of the head support deck section from a first position to a second position
Data Source
AI summary
A spring assist system for use with a person support apparatus is described herein. The spring assist system comprises a spring which applies a spring force on a head support deck section to aid in motion from a first position at a higher inclination to a second position at a lower inclination with respect to a supporting frame member. The spring assist system is configured to exclusively apply spring force between the first position and the second position.