Adjustable Patient Lifting Sling with Dorsal Strap

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sling devices for people with limited mobility often lack adjustable and secure designs, making it difficult for two attendants to safely lift and transport individuals in an upright sitting position, particularly in varying heights and configurations.

Innovation Solution

A sling design featuring adjustable thigh and torso bands with integrated dorsal straps, seat handles, and side handles, utilizing hook and loop fasteners for secure attachment and adjustable lengths, allowing for customizable fitting and easy lifting by two attendants.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If existing sling devices are used, then they can provide basic support, but they lack adjustable designs making it difficult to accommodate varying heights and configurations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadjustability for varying heightsVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sling incorporates adjustable dorsal straps with buckles that allow dynamic adjustment of the sling's length and configuration to accommodate persons of varying heights. The thigh bands and torso bands can be adjusted independently to fit different body dimensions, transforming a static device into an adaptable one.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the physical parameters of the sling by incorporating adjustable components (buckles, straps of varying lengths) that allow modification of the sling's dimensional parameters. This enables the same sling to be configured for different height requirements without requiring multiple specialized slings.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If existing sling devices are used, then they can transport persons, but they lack secure designs making safe lifting difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecure attachmentVSAvoidease of lifting

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The sling is divided into distinct functional segments: thigh bands, torso bands, and dorsal straps, each with its own adjustment and securing mechanisms. This segmentation allows each component to be independently adjusted and secured, ensuring reliable attachment at multiple points while maintaining ease of operation through modular design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The sling is designed to be pre-adjusted and pre-secured before lifting occurs. The buckles and fastening mechanisms are positioned and configured in advance to ensure proper fit and secure attachment, eliminating the need for complex adjustments during the lifting process itself.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If existing sling devices are used, then they can support persons, but they require complex procedures making minimal training difficult to achieve

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of useVSAvoidtraining time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The sling incorporates self-adjusting features where the buckles and straps are designed to be easily manipulated by the user without requiring specialized knowledge. The attendants can independently adjust the thigh bands, torso bands, and dorsal straps to fit the patient, reducing the need for extensive training on complex adjustment procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Adaptability or versatility

If existing sling devices are used, then they can transport persons, but they lack customizable fitting for different body configurations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecustomizable fittingVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The sling is designed as a universal device that can accommodate various body configurations through its adjustable components. The same basic sling structure with adjustable thigh bands, torso bands, and dorsal straps can fit different heights and body types, eliminating the need to manufacture multiple specialized sling variants for different patient populations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables reliable and secure lifting and transportation of individuals with limited mobility in an upright position, accommodating varying heights and providing ease of use with minimal training, while maintaining durability and comfort.

Implementation Method 1

utilizing hook and loop fasteners for secure attachment and adjustable lengths

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHook and loop fastener mechanism: Mechanical Fastener

Data Source

PatentUS10667974B2Sling for use in moving persons with limited mobility

Publication Date: 2020.06.02 WRIGHT DONALD W

AI summary

A flexible fabric sling for use by two attendants in lifting and transporting a person with limited mobility, the sling including a thigh band releasably securable about the person's thighs, a torso band releasably securable about the person's torso, a dorsal strap extending between the thigh band and the torso band, and handles graspable by the attendants. The length of the dorsal strap is adjustable to accommodate persons of different heights.