Upper Body Support Mechanism for Forward-Leaning Posture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing person-support apparatuses, such as hospital beds and stretchers, do not adequately provide access to a person's upper body, particularly the back, while maintaining comfort and reducing respiratory resistance, especially in forward-leaning postures.
Innovation Solution
An upper body support assembly with a torso support structure and arm support structure that can pivot and translate to position a person in a forward-leaning sitting posture, allowing caregivers to access the upper body while reducing discomfort and enhancing respiratory function by adjusting the angle of the torso and arm supports.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a person is positioned in a traditional supine or sitting position on a person-support apparatus, then the apparatus structure remains simple, but caregivers cannot adequately access the upper body particularly the back area
Solution Approach 1:
The support apparatus is divided into multiple independent segments: a torso support structure with adjustable positioning capabilities and separate arm support structures. This segmentation allows the torso to be positioned independently to provide caregiver access to the upper body, while keeping the overall structure modular and manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The torso support structure incorporates dynamic positioning mechanisms that allow it to be adjusted between different orientations and angles. This dynamic capability enables the apparatus to transition from a static configuration to one that provides optimal access to the person's back, resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and operational ease.
2Reliability
If the person is positioned in a forward-leaning posture to improve respiratory function and reduce weight on lungs, then respiratory function improves, but the person experiences discomfort and difficulty maintaining the posture
Solution Approach 1:
The arm support structures are designed with adjustable parameters including angle, height, and position. By changing these parameters, the apparatus can provide optimal support for the arms and upper body in a forward-leaning posture, distributing weight appropriately and reducing discomfort while maintaining the respiratory benefits of the position.
Solution Approach 2:
The support apparatus is designed to automatically adjust and maintain the forward-leaning posture through its mechanical structure and positioning mechanisms, reducing the need for the person to actively maintain the position. This self-adjusting capability allows the person to benefit from improved respiratory function without experiencing the discomfort of manually sustaining an awkward posture.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the torso support structure is made adjustable to provide various positioning options, then access to upper body improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The torso support structure is designed with multi-functional capabilities, where a single adjustable mechanism serves multiple purposes: positioning the torso for caregiver access, supporting the person's weight, and enabling various therapeutic positions. This universality reduces the need for multiple separate components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while maximizing adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
A person-support apparatus comprises a frame, a deck, and an upper body support assembly. The deck is coupled to the frame and configured to support a person. The deck includes a first section and a second section. The first section is configured to pivot between a first angular orientation and a second angular orientation with respect to the frame. The person is in a supine position when the first section is in the first angular orientation and is moved to a sitting position when the first section is moved to the second angular orientation. The upper body support assembly is movably coupled to the frame and includes a torso support. The torso support is configured to support a portion of the person's torso when the person is in a forward-leaning posture in the sitting position.