Latex-Free Hospital Bed Carrier with Segmented Flaps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hospital rooms often lack sufficient space for storage and display of items due to the large footprint of hospital beds, and there is a need for a portable solution that can be easily attached to and detached from the bed during medical procedures, especially considering latex allergies among medical staff and patients.
Innovation Solution
A portable, latex-free carrier with attachable flaps and compartments using connectors like magnets, hooks, and zippers, made from recyclable materials like LDPE, which can be securely attached to hospital bed rails, providing transparent storage for easy access and visibility of items.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a portable carrier is attached to the bed rail, then storage accessibility is improved, but the bed's mobility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The carrier is segmented into multiple flaps (first flap and second flap) that can be independently attached and detached. Each flap has connectors that can be separately engaged with the bed rail, allowing the carrier to be securely mounted without restricting bed mobility. The segmented design enables easy attachment and detachment while maintaining storage accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The carrier employs dynamic attachment mechanisms including magnets, hooks, zippers, and clips that allow flexible attachment and detachment. The magnets provide secure holding when engaged but allow easy removal when needed. This dynamic design enables the carrier to be securely mounted during use while allowing quick removal to maintain bed mobility when required.
2Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If flaps are made transparent for visibility, then item visibility is improved, but structural strength is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The flaps are constructed using composite materials that combine transparency with structural strength. The material used provides both the required transparency for item visibility and sufficient strength to support the carrier's weight and withstand handling. This composite approach resolves the contradiction between visibility and structural integrity.
3Reliability
If latex-free materials are used, then safety is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The carrier is designed to be disposable and is manufactured from inexpensive latex-free materials such as polyethylene. This approach prioritizes safety by eliminating latex while keeping manufacturing simple and cost-effective. The disposable nature allows use of simpler, less expensive materials that would not be suitable for permanent, reusable structures.
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
The solution reduces clutter in hospital rooms by providing a versatile storage option that is accessible to all, minimizes latex exposure, and can be easily sanitized or recycled, enhancing safety and efficiency in medical settings.
Implementation Method 1
a first connector being arranged at the first distal end and a second connector being arranged at the second distal end, the first and second flaps being attachable to each other by the first and second connectors, wherein the connectors are selected from the group consisting of snaps, adhesives, hooks, zippers, buttons, magnets, hook and loop fasteners, clips, and combinations thereof
Data Source
AI summary
A latex-free, disposable, transparent carrier includes pockets for holding patient and hospital personnel items to provide more table space and reduce clutter.