Work/Description
Abstract/
Stryker Medical is an industry leader in patient handling equipment. Stryker Medical's Tru-fitTM Overbed Tables are widely used in hospital patient recovery rooms. To gain an even greater competitive advantage in the marketplace, Styker Medical enlisted the help of Design Concepts, Inc. (DCI) to lead the research, industrial design, engineering, and prototyping efforts to design the Tru-fitTM Overbed Table Storage Attachment.
Challenge/
Create an attachable storage unit for personal items to fit the Tru-fitTM Overbed Table already in the marketplace. The Storage Attachment must connect quickly and easily to the table. The unit must look native to the award-winning table and share a common aesthetic.
Solution/
Voice of the Customer research in several hospitals identified key stakeholders ranging from patients and nurses to housekeeping and maintenance. Consumer Preference Testing used several prototypes based on stakeholder feedback. Finite Element Analysis and Risk Analysis insured that the unit was strong, reliable and functional. Quality Control drawings specified critical dimensions for parts and assemblies and coordinated with Stryker's preferred manufacturing partner.
Results/
The Storage Attachment allows personal items to be privately stored, while maintaining a clean and clear tabletop surface. It fits seamlessly to the existing table. It can be used on either side of the bed to avoid a cramped hospital room. Stryker Medical's Tru-fitTM Overbed Storage Attachment is on the market today.
