Telescopic Lifter Cable Routing for Hospital Bed Height Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing telescopic lifters in hospital beds often damage electric cables during height adjustment due to the routing of cables between electric elements on the undercarriage and the patient surface, leading to loose and damaged cables.
Innovation Solution
A telescopic lifter design with a guide at the upper end of the first extensible part and a holder at the lower end of the second extensible part allows an electric cable to be routed internally, preventing damage during extension and retraction by guiding and fixing the cable securely.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If electric cables are routed loosely between undercarriage and patient surface, then installation is simple, but cable damage occurs during height adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The cable routing system is nested within the telescopic lifter structure. The cable passes through the hollow interior of the first extensible part and is guided by a guide mechanism integrated into the lifter's wall, protecting it from external damage while maintaining compact integration.
Solution Approach 2:
A guide mechanism acts as an intermediary between the cable and the moving parts of the lifter. The guide directs the cable through a defined path, preventing it from being pinched or damaged by the telescopic mechanism while allowing smooth movement.
2Ease of operation
If cable is allowed to move freely during extension, then flexibility is maintained, but uncontrolled loop accumulation occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The guide mechanism is designed to move dynamically with the telescopic lifter. As the lifter extends or retracts, the guide moves accordingly, maintaining proper cable tension and direction throughout the range of motion, preventing loop accumulation while preserving operational flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable is pre-routed through the guide mechanism before the lifter begins its extension or retraction cycle. This preliminary positioning ensures the cable follows the correct path from the start, preventing disorganization and loop formation during subsequent movements.
3Reliability
If cable passes through the interior of extensible parts, then protection from damage is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wall of the first extensible part serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for the telescopic mechanism and simultaneously houses the cable guide mechanism. This integration protects the cable while avoiding additional separate components that would increase manufacturing complexity.
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 the safe routing of electric cables within the lifter, preventing cable damage and uncontrolled loop accumulation, ensuring reliable operation during height adjustments.
Implementation Method 1
the guide may consist in a pulley or sliding guide
Data Source
AI summary
A telescopic lifter, mainly for height adjustment of a hospital bed, equipped with a drive (4) and including a first extensible part (1) is concentrically arranged. In the first extensible part (1) at least one second extensible part (2) is concentrically arranged. Inside the first extensible part (1) in the area of its upper end (6) a guide (7) is installed. Inside the second extensible part (2) in the area of its lower end (8) a holder (9) is installed. An electric cable (5) is attached to the fixed part (3) and freely passes into the inner space of the first extensible part (1) upwards to the guide (7) and over the guide (7). The electric cable is directed downwards to the holder (9) to which the electric cable (5) is firmly fixed and along the inner wall of the second extensible part (2); the electric cable (5) is directed out of the second extensible part (2).