Design and Development of Prototypes for Patient Beds: A Comprehensive Review

Abstract

The advancement of patient bed technology has been driven by the integration of embedded systems and the Internet of Things (IoT), enhancing functionality and patient care. Despite the increasing demand for smart medical beds, current designs often rely on outdated trial-and-error methodologies, leading to inefficiencies in development and high costs. This study addresses this gap by conducting a comprehensive review of patient bed design, focusing on innovative approaches that incorporate mechatronics, digital sensors, and smart actuators. The research employs a systematic evaluation of market trends, competitor products, and technological advancements, followed by the conceptual and functional design of two patient bed prototypes. Findings indicate that smart beds equipped with real-time monitoring, automated adjustments, and ergonomic enhancements significantly improve patient comfort and healthcare efficiency. The results emphasize the need for integrating computer-aided engineering techniques to optimize design processes. This study has implications for improving patient care, reducing hospital costs, and fostering innovation in medical device manufacturing.