The Drive hospital bed is a common electric home care bed designed for adjustable support and comfort in a residential setting. These beds are built to be robust yet capable of being broken down for transport or storage. Proper disassembly ensures the integrity of the motorized components and the steel frame, preventing damage that could compromise future use or safety. The process requires systematic attention, starting with non-structural elements and progressing to the mechanical and electrical core.
Preparation and Removal of Accessories
The first step is to completely disconnect the bed from its power source to eliminate the risk of electrical shock or accidental movement. Locate the main power cord, typically running from the control box beneath the frame, and unplug it from the wall outlet. Secure the cord and the hand pendant cable away from moving parts or casters to prevent damage.
Gather the necessary tools, which usually include wrenches, screwdrivers, and pliers for cotter pins. The bed should be lowered to its lowest position before being unplugged, making it easier to access components underneath.
The mattress is the first physical component to be removed; lift it off the frame and set it aside. Next, address the side rails, which are secured either by spring-loaded levers or by wing nuts and bolts. If using half-rails, releasing the spring pins or levers allows them to be lifted straight out of their mounting brackets.
Headboards and footboards are often secured by a lift-and-slide mechanism where the board’s metal posts rest in slots on the frame’s uprights. To detach them, slightly tilt the board back and lift it straight up, separating the hooked slots from the frame rivets. Some models require removing a safety pin or locking clip from the upright post before the board can be lifted clear.
Disengaging the Drive System and Actuators
The drive system is the electrical and mechanical core of the bed and requires focused attention due to its complexity and weight. Begin by disconnecting the hand control cable from the main control box, typically using a simple push-and-pull connector. This control box serves as the central hub for electrical signals and power distribution to the motors.
The motors, or actuators, are linear drive systems that convert rotational energy into linear motion, enabling head, foot, and height adjustments. These actuators are secured to the frame by clevis pins or quick-release pins at both ends of their mounting brackets. Visually inspect the actuator positions before removal to ensure they are not under excessive tension.
To remove an actuator, first disconnect the control cable near the motor body, often at a quick-disconnect point. Next, remove the cotter pin or retaining clip from the clevis pin at one end, then slide the clevis pin out completely. Repeat this process for the pin on the opposite end, handling the motor carefully as it detaches, since it can weigh up to 15 pounds.
The main lift motor, especially in semi-electric beds, often includes a drive shaft connecting the motor to the opposite end for synchronized height adjustment. This spring-loaded shaft can be pulled out of the motor coupling once the end boards are removed. Coil and secure all disconnected cables to the motor unit to prevent entanglement or damage during transport.
Separating the Main Frame Sections
With the motors and accessories removed, the final step is separating the heavy metal structure into two manageable halves. The main frame is typically hinged in the middle and held together by metal links or quick-release pins connecting the head and foot sections. If the model has a height adjustment crank, the crank or its extension shaft must also be completely removed.
Before separating the frame, slightly raise the leg section using the hand pendant before unplugging the unit. This action loosens the tension on the metal links, sometimes called pull tubes. These links can be released by squeezing the wires perpendicular to the link or by removing a locking pin. Once these connecting points are free, the two frame sections can be separated.
The head and foot frame sections are substantial steel components requiring careful handling due to their weight. It is highly recommended that two people perform the separation and lifting of these sections to prevent personal injury. For compact storage, the casters can be removed from the leg receptacles by pulling them out of the stem sockets.