Adjustable Transfer Vest with Multi-Point Grip System
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current manual patient transfer methods are inefficient and risky, leading to injuries for both patients and caregivers due to the high physical demands and lack of effective assistive devices, especially for elderly and obese individuals, resulting in increased healthcare costs and musculoskeletal disorders among caregivers.
Innovation Solution
A manual transfer vest designed as a wearable device with adjustable contour straps, double zippered front closure, and multiple hand grip components made from durable and breathable materials, allowing for secure, controlled patient lifting and transfer without direct caregiver-patient contact, reducing the risk of injuries and promoting good body mechanics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual patient transfer methods are used without assistive devices, then healthcare costs and caregiver strain are reduced, but patient safety and caregiver health deteriorate due to high physical demands and increased risk of injuries
Solution Approach 1:
The transfer vest acts as an intermediary device between the caregiver and patient, distributing the mechanical load of patient transfer across multiple straps and attachment points. This mediator system reduces direct caregiver strain while maintaining patient safety during transfer operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The vest system segments the transfer load across multiple independent components including contour straps, hand grip components, and attachment points distributed throughout the garment. This segmentation allows the system to handle patient weight through multiple load paths, reducing strain on any single caregiver body part.
2Ease of operation
If direct caregiver-patient contact is used during transfer, then transfer control is improved, but patient skin tears and joint dislocations increase due to lack of protective interface
Solution Approach 1:
The vest serves as a protective intermediary interface between the caregiver's hands and the patient's body during transfer operations. This intermediate garment distributes contact forces across a larger surface area, preventing concentrated pressure points that could cause skin tears or joint dislocations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional patient lifting devices are used, then patient transfer capability is improved, but device appearance and patient comfort deteriorate due to obtrusive medical device appearance
Solution Approach 1:
The transfer vest is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides patient transfer capability through its mechanical straps and attachment points, while simultaneously functioning as acceptable patient clothing. This multi-functionality allows the device to be worn in public settings without the patient feeling self-conscious, eliminating the need for separate medical equipment.
4Ease of operation
If adjustable contour straps are added to provide custom fit, then vest comfort and security are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The vest incorporates adjustable contour straps with dynamic fastening mechanisms that allow caregivers to modify the fit according to patient body shape and transfer requirements. These adjustable components provide a customized fit while maintaining operational simplicity through straightforward adjustment mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
A one-piece vest garment having a fashionable appearance wearable in public settings, with an adjustable tapered/secure fit providing efficient manual transfer/lift assistance to caregivers with mobility challenged patients at risk for falling and in need of assistance during standing, walking, sitting, or repositioning activities. It provides secure, steady, and controlled patient lifting while promoting good body mechanics for reduced risk of caregiver shoulder, hand, wrist, and back injury. Since the vest more evenly distributes pressure around a patient's body, in lift maneuvers patient skin tears, bruising, and joint dislocations are reduced. It preferably has four fit-adjusting contour straps and double locking D-ring assemblies, including inner front chest strap, inner front waist strap, exterior back shoulder strap, and exterior lower back strap; a double zippered front closure; and eleven hand grip components, four front, five back, and two side, each fixed with circular stitching for sturdiness and durability during transfer/lift maneuvers.