Variable-Width Health Care Bed Frame With Locking Wing Sections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current healthcare bed frames are not easily adaptable to varying widths, which can be a challenge for individuals of different sizes, including those who are obese or have specific medical needs requiring wider beds.
Innovation Solution
A healthcare bed frame with hingedly connected sections that can be moved between retracted and extended positions using a locking mechanism with rocker bars, springs, and locking buttons, allowing for adjustable width configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed width bed frame is used, then the manufacturing cost and structural simplicity are maintained, but the adaptability to different user sizes is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The bed frame is divided into multiple sections (head section, foot section, and intermediate sections) that can be independently adjusted. Each section contains wing sections that can be extended or retracted relative to the central frame portion, allowing the bed width to be segmented and adjusted to accommodate different user sizes while maintaining overall structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The bed frame transitions from a static fixed-width structure to a dynamic adjustable-width structure. The wing sections are designed to move between extended and retracted positions through hinges and locking mechanisms, enabling the bed to adapt its width dynamically based on user needs while maintaining structural stability when locked in position.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a wider bed frame is provided for large persons, then the comfort for obese or large persons is improved, but the bed cannot accommodate standard size persons efficiently
Solution Approach 1:
The bed frame incorporates self-service adjustment mechanisms where users can independently adjust the bed width to their needs. The locking mechanisms with buttons allow users to easily extend or retract the wing sections and secure them in the desired position without requiring assistance from others, making the bed adaptable to different body sizes while maintaining ease of operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple fixed width options are manufactured, then the adaptability to different users is improved, but the inventory complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The bed frame is designed as a universal multi-functional unit that can serve multiple width requirements. Instead of manufacturing separate beds for different width needs, this single bed frame can be adjusted to provide various width configurations (narrow, medium, wide) through its extendable wing sections, eliminating the need for multiple inventory variants while maintaining adaptability to different user sizes.
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
Enables easy adjustment of the bed width to accommodate various sizes, providing comfort and support for a range of users while maintaining structural integrity and ease of use.
Implementation Method 1
at least one spring and at least one locking button for releasably locking the wing sections in the retracted and extended positions
Data Source
AI summary
A method for varying the width of a health care bed includes providing a health care bed having a floor engaging base frame and a bed frame, the bed frame including at least two bed sections hingedly connected to each other and each having a central frame portion and left and right wing sections, the wing sections having at least a retracted position and an extended position relative to the central frame portion, and wherein the central frame portion defines, for each wing section, at least inner and outer registration holes and the wing sections each define at least one wing hole that aligns with one of the at least inner and outer registration holes when the wing sections are in the respective retracted and extended positions, and for each wing section, at least one locking mechanism having at least one rocker bar with opposing inner and outer ends, at least one spring and at least one locking button for releasably locking the wing sections in the retracted and extended positions; unlocking the at least one locking mechanism of one of the wing sections by pushing the outer end of its rocker bar to move the opposing inner end and one of the locking buttons out of engagement with a corresponding and then aligned registration hole and wing hole; and then moving the one wing section to the desired extended or retracted position.