Foldable modular patient transfer device

The foldable modular design of the medical transfer device solves the problem of difficult passage in narrow spaces for traditional devices, enabling flexible transportation and efficient storage, and improving the applicability and ease of maintenance of the device.

CN120346063BActive Publication Date: 2026-08-04FOURTH MILITARY MEDICAL UNIVERSITY
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Patents(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
FOURTH MILITARY MEDICAL UNIVERSITY
Filing Date
2025-04-24
Publication Date
2026-08-04

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Traditional medical transfer devices are designed as a single unit, which is large in size and cannot be flexibly adjusted in shape. They are difficult to pass through and store in the limited and complex space environment of a hospital, affecting transfer efficiency and resource utilization.

Method used

It adopts a foldable modular design, including components such as support frame, fixing plate, connecting plate and buffer pad. It can be flexibly disassembled and assembled through the connection of hinges, screws, limit rods and magnetic bases to meet the usage needs of different scenarios.

Benefits of technology

It enables convenient transportation and storage in narrow spaces, improves the functional adaptability and efficiency of the device, reduces space occupation, and facilitates maintenance and repair.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The application provides a foldable modular patient transfer device, and relates to the technical field of medical apparatuses, which comprises two supporting frames, two fixed plates arranged above the two supporting frames, two connecting plates connected to the opposite sides of each fixed plate through hinges, two middle connecting plates in the two pairs of connecting plates, limit rods rotatably connected to the front and back sides of each middle connecting plate, two connecting frames arranged below one set of fixed plates, and reset position columns driven by reset springs to be reset and sleeved with the round holes, so that the limit rods are in a limiting and fixing state, and the two connecting plates connected with the limit rods are also in a limiting and fixing state, thereby limiting and fixing the folded transfer device, which is convenient to operate, and the overall foldable design enables the transfer device to be flexibly adjusted according to actual use scenes, so that the transfer device can smoothly pass through narrow passages, small elevators and ambulance doors, and the transportation is more convenient.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of medical device technology, and more specifically, relates to a foldable modular patient transfer device. Background Technology

[0002] Medical transfer devices are indispensable tools in the medical field, used to safely and efficiently transfer patients from one location to another, such as from a hospital bed to a wheelchair, or from a ward to an examination room. In modern medical environments, to meet diverse transfer needs, medical transfer devices encompass a variety of functions and technological applications.

[0003] 1. The load-bearing structure is the core part of the transfer device, responsible for directly supporting the patient's body weight. It must have sufficient strength and stability to ensure the patient's safety during the transfer process.

[0004] 2. The mobile system is usually composed of rollers, tracks or other mobile auxiliary components, which enables the transfer device to move flexibly in different ground conditions and spatial environments, making it convenient for medical staff to operate.

[0005] 3. Protective facilities include safety belts, guardrails, etc., to prevent patients from accidentally slipping during transfer and to ensure their personal safety.

[0006] 4. Auxiliary functional components, such as height adjustment devices and angle adjustment devices, are designed to meet the special needs of different patients and improve the comfort of the transfer process.

[0007] Currently, various design and manufacturing methods have been adopted in the industry to improve the effectiveness of medical transfer devices. Some products use a robust and durable one-piece structure to ensure the stability and reliability of the device; others are equipped with advanced intelligent mobility systems, such as automatic navigation functions, which can assist medical staff in controlling the transfer path more precisely; still others focus on improving patient comfort by using soft, human-shaped load-bearing materials.

[0008] However, the above-described implementation methods still have the following problems. Regarding space utilization, most traditional medical transfer devices are one-piece designs, which are large in size and cannot be flexibly adjusted. In environments like hospitals with limited space and complex layouts, one-piece devices are difficult to move and store smoothly in narrow wards, narrow corridors, elevators, and other similar scenarios, seriously affecting transfer efficiency and the rational use of medical resources. This application proposes a solution to this problem: a medical transfer device with a foldable and modular design. The foldable design significantly reduces the size when not in use, facilitating transport and storage in limited spaces; the modular design allows for flexible combination of functional modules according to the needs of different departments and patients, greatly improving the device's functional adaptability and usage efficiency.

[0009] In view of this, we will study and improve the existing structure and its shortcomings, and provide a foldable modular patient transfer device in order to achieve a more practical value. Summary of the Invention

[0010] To address the aforementioned technical problems, the present invention provides a foldable modular patient transfer device.

[0011] A foldable modular patient transfer device includes two support frames, with two fixed plates mounted above the two support frames. Each of the two fixed plates is hinged to two connecting plates on opposite sides. The two middle connecting plates in the two pairs of connecting plates are rotatably connected to limit rods on both their front and rear sides. Buffer pads are mounted above the two fixed plates and the two pairs of connecting plates. Two connecting frames are mounted below one set of fixed plates. A limit block is movably engaged within the left fixed plate, and a limit strip is fixedly connected to the left surface of the right fixed plate. The two pairs of connecting plates... Each of the two connecting plates on the left and right sides of the connecting plate has a positioning post movably sleeved inside. Each of the two connecting frames has a screw rotatably connected inside and two limit balls movably locked inside. Each of the two fixed plates and the lower surface of the two pairs of connecting plates has two limit posts fixedly connected. Each of the two sets of limit posts has two stop rods movably sleeved inside. Each of the two connecting frames has a set of brackets fixedly connected to its upper surface. The two fixed plates are movably locked inside. Each of the two sets of brackets is fixedly connected to two support frames. Each of the two support frames is fixedly connected to the two connecting plates on the left and right sides of the two pairs of connecting plates.

[0012] Preferably, each of the set of buffer pads is connected to a set of fixing plates via elastic bands fixed thereon. The two buffer pads located in the middle of the set of buffer pads are provided with protective strips on their surfaces. The right surface of the left fixing plate of the two fixing plates has a limiting groove, which is movably connected to a limiting strip. The limiting block is movably engaged with the right fixing plate of the two fixing plates. The inner wall of the limiting groove has a slot, which is movably engaged with the limiting block. A return spring is fixedly connected between the limiting block and the slot. A push block is fixedly connected to the front surface of the limiting block.

[0013] Preferably, the front surfaces of the two connecting plates on the left and right sides of the two pairs of connecting plates are provided with circular grooves II, and the two circular grooves II are respectively movably sleeved with the two positioning posts. A return spring II is fixedly connected between the two positioning posts and the two circular grooves II. A magnetic suction plate is fixedly connected to the rear surface of the two limiting rods. A magnetic suction seat is fixedly connected to the front surface of the two connecting plates in the middle of the two pairs of connecting plates. The two magnetic suction seats are respectively magnetically attracted and fixed to the two magnetic suction plates. A limiting plate is fixedly connected to the surface of the two pairs of limiting balls. The two pairs of limiting plates are respectively threadedly sleeved with the two screws.

[0014] Preferably, the inner walls of both connecting frames are provided with strip grooves, and the two strip grooves are rotatably connected to the two screws respectively. The front surfaces of the two limiting rods are provided with through holes, and the two holes are movably sleeved with the two positioning posts respectively. The front and rear sides of the two fixing plates are provided with circular grooves, and the two pairs of circular grooves are movably engaged with the two pairs of limiting balls respectively.

[0015] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0016] In this invention, the limiting rod is in a limited and fixed state, and the two connecting plates connected to the limiting rod are also in a limited and fixed state, thereby limiting and fixing the folded transfer device. The operation is convenient, and the overall foldable design allows the transfer device to be flexibly adjusted according to the actual use scenario. When transferring the device between different departments in the hospital or between the hospital and the ambulance, the folded transfer device is easier to carry. It can pass smoothly through narrow passages, small elevators, and ambulance doors, making transportation more convenient and avoiding passage difficulties caused by excessive size.

[0017] In this invention, the connecting plate is fixed in a fixed state by the threaded limit of the screw, allowing medical staff to grasp the support frame for transfer. In certain special medical scenarios, such as narrow stairwells in old buildings, family wards with limited space, or small examination rooms, a complete large transfer device may not be able to enter. However, the detachable transfer device can be further disassembled according to the size and shape of the space before bringing in some parts and then reassembling them on-site. This flexibility allows medical staff to transfer patients to the required location more smoothly, without being overly restricted by the environmental space.

[0018] In this invention, elastic bands are used for fixed connection, which meets the needs of modular use. The two middle cushioning pads in a set of cushioning pads are equipped with protective straps to limit the patient's position and ensure safety during movement. The overall modular folding design can greatly reduce the space occupied. Each component can be compactly placed in the hospital's storage room or warehouse. After disassembly, the components can be stored in different shelves or placed in storage boxes with other small equipment, avoiding the problem of difficulty in finding a suitable storage location due to the large size of the device. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 2 This is a folded diagram of the transfer device of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 3 This is a disassembly diagram of the transfer device of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the elevation of the invention;

[0023] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the fixing plate structure of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the support frame structure of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the connecting frame structure of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the connecting plate structure of the present invention.

[0027] In the diagram, the correspondence between the structural names and the attached drawing numbers is as follows: 1. Support frame; 2. Fixing plate; 3. Buffer pad; 4. Protective belt; 5. Limiting rod; 6. Push block; 7. Connecting frame; 8. Bracket; 9. Limiting post; 10. Circular groove one; 11. Screw; 12. Bar; 13. Limiting strip; 14. Limiting groove; 15. Slot; 16. Limiting block; 17. Return spring one; 18. Circular groove two; 19. Strip groove; 20. Limiting ball; 21. Circular hole; 22. Magnetic base; 23. Positioning post; 24. Return spring two; 25. Limiting plate; 26. Connecting plate. Detailed Implementation

[0028] The embodiments of the present invention will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and examples. The following examples are for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention.

[0029] Please see Figure 1 - Figure 8This invention provides a foldable modular patient transfer device, comprising two support frames 1, two fixing plates 2 mounted on top of the two support frames 1, and two connecting plates 26 hinged to each other on opposite sides of the two fixing plates 26. Limiting rods 5 are rotatably connected to the front and rear sides of the two middle connecting plates 26. Buffer pads 3 are mounted above the two fixing plates 2 and the two pairs of connecting plates 26. Two connecting frames 7 are mounted below one set of fixing plates 2. A limiting block 16 is movably engaged within the left fixing plate 2, and a limiting strip 13 is fixedly connected to the left surface of the right fixing plate 2. Positioning posts 23 are movably sleeved within the left and right connecting plates 26. Both connecting frames 7 are rotatably connected to screws 11 and movably engaged with two limit balls 20. Two limit posts 9 are fixedly connected to the lower surfaces of the two fixed plates 2 and the two pairs of connecting plates 26. Two blocking rods 12 are movably sleeved within each of the two sets of limit posts 9. A set of brackets 8 is fixedly connected to the upper surfaces of both connecting frames 7. The two fixed plates 2 are movably engaged. The two sets of brackets 8 are fixedly connected to the two support frames 1. The two support frames 1 are fixedly connected to the two connecting plates 26 located on the left and right sides of the two pairs of connecting plates 26. When further folding is required, pulling the push block 6 moves the limit block 16 fixed to it. During the movement, the limit block 16 disengages from the right fixed plate 2 of the two fixed plates 2. Next, the return spring 17 is compressed, opening the limit switch. At this point, the two fixing plates 2 can be disassembled. Moving the right fixing plate 2 forward moves the fixed limit strip 13 together, thus disengaging it from the other fixing plate 2. After disengagement, rotate the fixing plate 2 to engage with the connecting frame 7 under the support frame 1, making the fixing plate 2 parallel to the outermost buffer pad 3. Then, by rotating the screw 11, the two limit plates 25 fitted on it move relative to each other due to the thread action. When the two limit plates 25 move relative to each other, they will move the fixed limit balls 20 together. At this time, the relative movement of the two limit balls 20 will engage with the two circular grooves 10 on the fixing plate 2 for limiting. At this time, the support frame 1 and the fixing plate 2 and the connecting plate 26 are fixed in a fixed state by the threaded limit of the screw 11, allowing medical staff to grasp the support frame 1 for transfer. In certain special medical scenarios, such as narrow stairwells in old buildings, family wards with limited space, or small examination rooms, a complete large transfer device may not be able to fit. However, a detachable transfer device can be further customized according to the size and shape of the space, by disassembling some components and bringing them in, and then reassembling them on-site. This flexibility allows medical staff to transfer patients to the required location more smoothly, without being overly restricted by environmental space. Furthermore, if a component of the transfer device malfunctions or is damaged, the detachable design allows maintenance personnel to quickly locate and replace the faulty component. Compared to a monolithic device, there is no need for a complex maintenance process for the entire device.

[0030] A set of buffer pads 3 are connected to a set of fixed plates 2 by elastic bands fixed on them. The two buffer pads 3 in the middle of the set of buffer pads 3 are provided with protective strips 4. The right surface of the left fixed plate 2 has a limit groove 14, which is movably connected to the limit strip 13. The limit block 16 is movably engaged with the right fixed plate 2. The inner wall of the limit groove 14 has a slot 15, which is movably engaged with the limit block 16. A return spring 17 is fixedly connected between the limit block 16 and the slot 15. A push block 6 is fixedly connected to the front surface of the limit block 16. During use, when encountering narrow elevators or corridor turns, the transfer device can be folded and the knurled nuts on the two guard rods 12 can be rotated to disassemble them. The knurled nuts are large and have a knurled design, so they can be disassembled by hand. After disassembly, the limit opens, and under the influence of gravity and hinges, the two fixed plates 2 move downwards, forming a straight line with the connecting plates 26 on both sides. In the angular state, the magnetically fixed limiting rods 5 on the two connecting plates 26 are rotated to move them, so that they engage with the positioning posts 23 located inside the connecting plates 26 on the left and right sides. First, press the positioning post 23 so that it is fully engaged in the circular groove 18, compressing the return spring 24. Then, align the circular hole 21 on the limiting rod 5 with the positioning post 23. The return spring 24 drives the positioning post 23 to reset so that it engages with the circular hole 21. At this time, the limiting rod 5 is in a limited and fixed state, and the two connecting plates 26 connected to the limiting rod 5 are also in a limited and fixed state, thus limiting and fixing the folded transfer device. The operation is convenient, and the overall foldable design allows the transfer device to be flexibly adjusted according to the actual use scenario. When transferring the device between different departments in the hospital or between the hospital and the ambulance, the folded transfer device is easier to carry. It can pass smoothly through narrow passages, small elevators, and ambulance doors, making transportation more convenient and avoiding passage difficulties due to excessive size.

[0031] Two of the two pairs of connecting plates 26 located on the left and right sides each have a circular groove 18 on their front surface. The two circular grooves 18 are respectively movably connected to two positioning posts 23. A return spring 24 is fixedly connected between each positioning post 23 and each circular groove 18. Magnetic plates are fixedly connected to the rear surfaces of both limiting rods 5. Magnetic seats 22 are fixedly connected to the front surfaces of the two middle connecting plates 26. The two magnetic seats 22 are magnetically fixed to the two magnetic plates. Limiting plates 25 are fixedly connected to the surfaces of both pairs of limiting balls 20. The two pairs of limiting plates 25 are threadedly connected to two screws 11. Strip grooves 19 are formed on the inner walls of both connecting frames 7. The two strip grooves 19 are rotatably connected to the two screws 11. Circular holes 21 are formed through the front surfaces of both limiting rods 5. The two circular holes 21 are respectively connected to the two positioning posts 23. The column 23 is movably connected, and the two fixed plates 2 have circular grooves 10 on both the front and rear sides. The two pairs of circular grooves 10 are respectively engaged with the two pairs of limiting balls 20. The upper surfaces of the fixed plate 2 and the connecting plate 26 are provided with cushioning pads 3 for buffering. Each set of cushioning pads 3 is independently designed and fixedly connected by elastic bands, which meets the needs of modular use. In addition, the two middle cushioning pads 3 in a set of cushioning pads 3 are provided with protective straps 4 to limit the patient and ensure safety during movement. The overall modular folding design can greatly reduce the space occupied. Each component can be compactly placed in the hospital's storage room or warehouse. After disassembly, the components can be stored in different shelves or placed in storage boxes with other small equipment, avoiding the problem of difficulty in finding a suitable storage location due to the large size of the device.

[0032] Working principle:

[0033] First, during use, when encountering narrow elevators or corridor turns, the transfer device can be folded and the knurled nuts on the two blocking rods 12 can be rotated to disassemble them. The knurled nuts are large and have a knurled design, so they can be disassembled by hand. After disassembly, the limit switches open. Due to gravity and the hinge, the two fixing plates 2 move downwards and are at right angles to the connecting plates 26 on both sides. At this time, rotate the limit rods 5 magnetically fixed on the two connecting plates 26 to move them so that they engage with the positioning pins 23 located inside the connecting plates 26 on the left and right sides. First, press the positioning pins 23 so that they are fully engaged in the circular groove 18, compressing the return spring 24. At this time, the limit rods 5 are released. The circular hole 21 on the top is aligned with the positioning post 23. The positioning post 23 is reset by the second reset spring 24 so that it is sleeved with the circular hole 21. At this time, the limiting rod 5 is in a limited fixed state, and the two connecting plates 26 connected to the limiting rod 5 are also in a limited fixed state, thereby limiting and fixing the folded transfer device. The operation is convenient. The overall foldable design allows the transfer device to be flexibly adjusted according to the actual use scenario. When transferring the device between different departments in the hospital or between the hospital and the ambulance, the folded transfer device is easier to carry. It can pass smoothly through narrow passages, small elevators and ambulance doors, making transportation more convenient and avoiding passage difficulties due to excessive size.

[0034] The second step involves further folding. Pulling the push block 6 moves the fixed limiting block 16 along with it. During this movement, the limiting block 16 disengages from the right-side fixing plate 2, compressing the return spring 17 and opening the limit. At this point, the two fixing plates 2 can be disassembled. Moving the right-side fixing plate 2 forward moves the fixed limiting strip 13, disengaging it from the other fixing plate 2. After disengagement, rotating the fixing plate 2 engages with the connecting frame 7 under the support frame 1, making the fixing plate 2 parallel to the outermost buffer pad 3. Rotating the screw 11 causes the two limiting plates 25 fitted on it to move relative to each other due to the threaded action. This relative movement of the two limiting plates 25 moves the fixed limiting balls 20 along with them. The transfer device engages with the two circular slots 10 on the fixed plate 2, thus locking the support frame 1, fixed plate 2, and connecting plate 26 in a fixed state via the threaded limit of the screw 11. Medical personnel can then grasp the support frame 1 for transfer. In certain special medical scenarios, such as narrow stairwells in old buildings, limited-space family wards, or small examination rooms, a complete large transfer device may not be feasible. A detachable transfer device allows for further flexibility; depending on the size and shape of the space, some components can be disassembled and brought in, then reassembled on-site. This flexibility enables medical personnel to transfer patients more smoothly to the required location without excessive environmental space constraints. Furthermore, if a component of the transfer device malfunctions or is damaged, the detachable design allows maintenance personnel to quickly locate and replace the faulty component. Compared to a monolithic device, this eliminates the need for complex maintenance procedures for the entire device.

[0035] Thirdly, both the upper surfaces of the fixing plate 2 and the connecting plate 26 are equipped with cushioning pads 3 for buffering. Each set of cushioning pads 3 is independently designed and fixedly connected by elastic bands, which meets the needs of modular use. Furthermore, the two middle cushioning pads 3 in a set of cushioning pads 3 are equipped with protective straps 4 to limit the patient's position and ensure safety during movement. The overall modular folding design can greatly reduce the space occupied. Each component can be compactly placed in the hospital's storage room or warehouse. After disassembly, the components can be stored in different shelves or placed in storage boxes with other small equipment, avoiding the problem of difficulty in finding a suitable storage location due to the large size of the device.

[0036] Examples of the present invention are given for illustrative and descriptive purposes only and are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the forms disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The embodiments were chosen and described to better illustrate the principles and practical application of the invention and to enable those skilled in the art to understand the invention and to design various embodiments with various modifications suitable for a particular purpose.

Claims

1. A foldable modular patient transfer device comprising two support frames (1), characterized in that: Two fixed plates (2) are provided above the two support frames (1). The two fixed plates (2) are connected to each other by two connecting plates (26) through hinges. The two connecting plates (26) in the middle of the two pairs of connecting plates (26) are rotatably connected to limit rods (5) on the front and rear sides. Buffer pads (3) are provided above the two fixed plates (2) and the two pairs of connecting plates (26). Two connecting frames (7) are provided below a set of fixed plates (2). Among them, the left fixed plate (2) of the two fixed plates (2) is movably engaged with the limiting block (16), and the left surface of the right fixed plate (2) is fixedly connected with the limiting strip (13). The two connecting plates (26) on the left and right sides of the two pairs of connecting plates (26) are movably sleeved with positioning pins (23). The two connecting frames (7) are rotatably connected with screws (11) and movably engaged with two limiting balls (20). The lower surfaces of the two fixed plates (2) and the two pairs of connecting plates (26) are fixedly connected with two limiting pins (9). The two sets of limiting pins (9) are movably sleeved with two blocking rods (12). Among them, the right surface of the left fixed plate (2) of the two fixed plates (2) has a limiting groove (14), the limiting groove (14) is movably connected to the limiting strip (13), and the limiting block (16) is movably engaged with the right fixed plate (2) of the two fixed plates (2). The inner wall of the limiting groove (14) is provided with a slot (15), the slot (15) is movably engaged with the limiting block (16), a reset spring (17) is fixedly connected between the limiting block (16) and the slot (15), and a push block (6) is fixedly connected to the front surface of the limiting block (16). Among them, the front surfaces of the two connecting plates (26) located on the left and right sides of the two pairs of connecting plates (26) are provided with circular grooves (18), and the two circular grooves (18) are respectively movably connected to the two positioning posts (23). A reset spring (24) is fixedly connected between the two positioning posts (23) and the two circular grooves (18). Among them, the surfaces of the two pairs of limiting balls (20) are fixedly connected to limiting plates (25), and the two pairs of limiting plates (25) are respectively threadedly connected to the two screws (11); Among them, the front surfaces of the two limiting rods (5) are provided with circular holes (21), the two circular holes (21) are respectively movably connected to the two positioning posts (23), and the front and rear sides of the two fixing plates (2) are provided with circular grooves (10), the two pairs of circular grooves (10) are respectively movably connected to the two pairs of limiting balls (20).

2. The foldable modular patient transfer device of claim 1, wherein, A set of brackets (8) is fixedly connected to the upper surface of each of the two connecting frames (7), and the two fixing plates (2) are movably snapped together; Among them, the two sets of brackets (8) are fixedly connected to the two support frames (1) respectively, and the two support frames (1) are fixedly connected to the two connecting plates (26) located on the left and right sides of the two pairs of connecting plates (26) respectively.

3. The foldable modular patient transfer device of claim 1, wherein, Each of the aforementioned cushioning pads (3) is connected to a set of fixing plates (2) by elastic bands fixed thereon; Among them, the two buffer pads (3) located in the middle position of a set of buffer pads (3) are provided with protective strips (4) on their surfaces.

4. The foldable modular patient transfer device of claim 1, wherein, A magnetic suction plate is fixedly connected to the rear surface of both limiting rods (5); Among them, the front surfaces of the two middle connecting plates (26) of the two pairs of connecting plates (26) are fixedly connected with magnetic bases (22), and the two magnetic bases (22) are magnetically fixed to the two magnetic plates respectively.

5. The collapsible modular patient transfer device of claim 1, wherein, Both of the connecting frames (7) have strip grooves (19) on their inner walls; The two strip grooves (19) are rotatably connected to the two screws (11) respectively.