Therapy Mat Table With Movable Backrest And Patient Transfer Bars
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional therapy tables lack a movable portion that can be selectively raised to provide adequate back support for patients during physical therapy, leading to therapist fatigue and potential injuries, and often require therapist assistance for patient positioning.
Innovation Solution
A therapy mat table with a rotatably mounted portion that can be automatically or manually raised and lowered to form a seat back, equipped with a motorized or crank-operated mechanism, along with additional features like transfer bars, a foot stop, and a knee block to assist patient positioning and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional therapy table with a fixed flat top is used, then the structure is simple and stable, but it cannot provide adequate back support for patients during physical therapy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by transforming the fixed flat top into a dynamic structure with a movable portion that can be selectively raised and lowered. This movable portion forms a backrest that adapts to patient needs during therapy, providing ergonomic support while maintaining structural integrity through controlled motion mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the table top into a fixed base portion and a movable backrest portion. This segmentation allows the backrest to be independently positioned to provide customized support, while the fixed base maintains overall stability. The division enables adaptable functionality without compromising the fundamental structural soundness of the table.
2Ease of operation
If the therapist manually supports the patient's weight, then the patient can be positioned on the table, but the therapist experiences fatigue and potential back injuries
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling patients to actively participate in their own positioning through the movable backrest mechanism. Patients can adjust the backrest angle and position to achieve comfortable seating, reducing or eliminating the need for therapists to manually support patient weight during positioning tasks.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable backrest serves as an intermediary device between the therapist and patient during positioning. Instead of direct manual support, the backrest mediates the positioning process by providing structural support that the therapist can guide but not physically bear, thereby protecting the therapist from injury while achieving proper patient positioning.
3Device complexity
If the movable portion is manually actuated by crank and pinion, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual crank and pinion mechanical system with an electric motor-driven actuation system. This substitution eliminates the need for manual cranking by patients or therapists, enabling automated or remote adjustment of the movable backrest portion through electrical control, thereby significantly improving ease of operation.
4Ease of operation
If the movable portion is remotely actuated by motor, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex manual mechanical actuation systems with electric motor technology, which simplifies the user interface while managing internal complexity through standardized motor components and electrical control circuits. This substitution provides remote and automated actuation capabilities that improve ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates universal design by making the motorized actuation system capable of multiple functions: it can be remotely controlled, automatically positioned, or manually overridden, serving both simple adjustment needs and complex positioning requirements. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by providing versatile operation modes.
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
Enhances patient comfort and safety by providing adjustable back support, reduces therapist fatigue, and facilitates easier patient movement between positions, minimizing the risk of injuries and improving therapy efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The movable portion may be remotely actuated by a motor mounted under the table top
Implementation Method 2
The movable portion may be manually actuated by a crank, rack and pinion type drive
Data Source
AI summary
A therapy mat table has an upper surface and removable mat. A portion of the mat and a separate plate is rotatably mounted within the flat top so as to be capable of being selectively raised and lowered to form a seat back for a patient reclining or sitting on the pad on an elongated side edge of the table. The table may also include transfer bars which help to move a patient on and off the table or when moving to a standing position or while simply standing. The table may further include a stowable foot stop, which prevents backward movement of the patient's feet when the patient is standing between the transfer bars. The table may also include a knee blocker, which helps to limit or prevent buckling of the patient's knees when the patient is standing between the transfer bars.