Design and development of multifunctional patient bed with integrated toilet

Abstract

Abstract This paper presents a new bed for bedridden patients. It has provision for using a commode by pulling it up to the bed height by a specially designed mechanism. For commode use, it has an opening in the bed. A mattress on the platform covers the commode opening. After use, the commode is pushed back to its position below the bed. Then, the commode opening gets covered. This bed also has provision for side turning of the patient. The left and right-side turning mechanisms can operate independently to allow the patient to sleep on the left or right side. It is possible to turn both sides together to avoid touching the middle part of the back to the bed surface to avoid pressure ulcers. The side turning may be simultaneously operated with the backrest. A separate mechanism is there for this purpose. In addition, the bed can be converted into a chair position and has other utilities like a washbasin, folding table, and cistern attached to it. The bed design and development are in two stages. First, a bed with a commode is designed. Later, this design is improved to add a side turning mechanism. Computer modeling, simulation, fabrication, and testing are employed to plan and check bed operations and positions. The mechanical performance of the bed is compared with the simulation results, and the errors are negligible. The bed is compared with the reported designs in the literature. It is a novel product. It will be excellent equipment for bedridden patients and caregivers. Article Highlights Presents a new bed design for bedridden patients.. The bed has the provision of a commode and a facility for the side-turning of the patient. Reduces discomfort for the patients, chances of bedsores, and efforts of the caretaker.

Keywords

• Patient bed design
• Bed with commode
• Side turning
• Bedsores