Adjustable Stretcher Handles for Ergonomic Maneuvering

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional patient transport apparatuses face difficulties in maneuverability due to handles that are difficult to reach and apply leverage when lowered, and users of varying heights often grasp the handles in awkward ways, leading to inefficiency and discomfort.

Innovation Solution

The patient transport apparatus features adjustable handles with extensions that can translate and articulate, allowing for multiple ergonomic grip positions and locking mechanisms to secure these positions, accommodating users of different heights and providing leverage for easy maneuvering.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Shape

If the patient support surface is lowered to its lowest height, then the patient transport apparatus can accommodate patients in a lower position, but the handles become difficult to reach and require awkward grasping or leverage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehandle accessibilityVSAvoidmaneuvering difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The handle assembly is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing it to translate along the frame and articulate between multiple orientations. This dynamic design enables the handle to be positioned at optimal heights and locations for users of varying heights, eliminating the need for awkward grasping or leverage when the patient support surface is lowered.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The handle assembly incorporates translation along the frame and articulation between multiple orientations, adding dimensional flexibility. This allows the handle to be positioned not only at different heights but also at different angles and locations, providing ergonomic accessibility regardless of the patient support surface height.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If users of varying heights maneuver the same patient transport apparatus, then the apparatus can be used by different people, but some users must grasp and manipulate the handles in awkward ways

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser height accommodationVSAvoidgrasping comfort

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The handle assembly's movable and adjustable design allows it to adapt to users of varying heights. Users can position the handle at optimal heights and orientations for their body dimensions, eliminating awkward grasping postures and improving comfort for all user sizes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The handle assembly serves multiple functions by being adjustable in position and orientation, accommodating diverse user needs. This universal design allows users of different heights to operate the apparatus comfortably without requiring different handle configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS12629298B2Patient transport apparatus with adjustable handles

Publication Date: 2026.05.19 STRYKER CORP

AI summary

A patient transport apparatus comprises a support structure. The support structure comprises a base, a frame, and a patient support surface to support a patient. One or more handle assemblies are coupled to the frame to maneuver the patient transport apparatus. The handle assemblies comprise one or more handles to be manipulated by a user. The handles are capable of being adjusted to facilitate maneuvering of the patient transport apparatus, such as pushing/pulling the patient transport apparatus along a floor surface, lifting the patient transport apparatus over obstacles, loading the patient transport apparatus into an emergency vehicle, and/or unloading the patient transport apparatus from the emergency vehicle.