IP Requirements:

• Emory IP

Experience Requirements:

• Mechanical engineering

Overbed tables are essential pieces of furniture in healthcare settings, particularly in hospitals and nursing homes. These tables provide patients with a convenient surface for eating, reading, or working while confined to bed. Despite their importance and the options available on the market, current overbed tables are not dramatically different from one another, and they still fail to adequately address several critical issues.

Many existing overbed tables are heavy and cumbersome, making them difficult to move and maneuver. This not only causes physical strain on healthcare staff but also inhibits patient mobility, as patients may struggle to reposition the table on their own. Many existing overbed tables take up significant space around the patient’s bed, often getting in the way of patient care, medical equipment, and other essential activities. This can create obstacles for healthcare providers and may hinder the efficiency of patient care.

Despite the numerous options available, the lack of significant innovation in design means these tables continue to present challenges for both patients and healthcare providers. The goal of this project is to design and develop an overbed table that maximizes maneuverability, features a compact and ergonomic design, and enhances comfort for both patients and providers. The table design needs to do this while minimizing physical strain on healthcare staff and optimizing space usage.