Clamshell Transfer Device with Vertical Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical equipment transfer systems are inefficient, costly, and pose safety risks during patient transport due to lack of standardization, complex mechanisms, and inadequate infection control, often requiring multiple caregivers and extensive training to manage the transfer of life support equipment between stationary and mobile platforms.
Innovation Solution
A clamshell housing-based transfer device with standardized components and a security mechanism that automatically locks equipment in place using a vertical lift mechanism, allowing seamless transfer between platforms while minimizing the risk of dislodgment and facilitating easy cleaning and optimal patient care positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional manual equipment transfer methods are used, then equipment can be moved between platforms, but safety risks increase due to lack of locking mechanisms and potential dislodgment
Solution Approach 1:
The transfer device automatically locks equipment to the mobile platform using an automated locking mechanism that engages when equipment is placed on the platform, eliminating the need for manual locking operations and reducing reliance on caregiver alertness while enhancing equipment security
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is integrated into the mobile platform itself rather than being a separate complex system, extracting the security function from the overall transfer process and simplifying the overall device complexity while maintaining reliability
2Productivity
If multiple caregivers are used to move equipment manually, then equipment can be transported, but staff time and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile platform with integrated locking mechanism enables single-caregiver operation for equipment transfer, eliminating the need for multiple caregivers to manually move equipment and significantly reducing preparation and transport time
Solution Approach 2:
The equipment support structure is pre-configured with standardized docking components that automatically engage with the mobile platform, allowing rapid transfer without extensive preparation time and enabling efficient single-caregiver operation
3Adaptability or versatility
If non-standardized components are used in transfer systems, then custom configurations are possible, but manufacturing costs and maintenance complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile platform and equipment support structure use standardized components with universal docking interfaces that can accommodate various life support equipment types, reducing manufacturing costs through standardization while maintaining adaptability through the modular design that supports different equipment configurations
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs adjustable and reconfigurable standardized components that can be dynamically positioned to accommodate different equipment types and patient care requirements, maintaining versatility while benefiting from standardized manufacturing
4Reliability
If complex transfer mechanisms are used, then equipment can be securely transferred, but infection control requirements are compromised due to crevices and hard-to-clean surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile platform features smooth, continuous surfaces without crevices or hard-to-clean areas, designed with infection control in mind to allow easy cleaning and disinfection while maintaining secure equipment transfer functionality through the integrated locking mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
Complex mechanical locking mechanisms that create crevices are replaced with an automated locking system that engages through a simplified interface, reducing surfaces that can harbor pathogens while maintaining transfer security
Data Source
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AI summary
An equipment transfer device is provided that is transferable from one support to another support. The transport device is formed as a housing that has two spaced apart, generally parallel recesses, which form docking cups that are open to the bottom. Each docking cup is configured to receive a docking cone that is supported on a structure and is capable of moving in generally a vertical direction into engagement or out of engagement with their respective docking cups. A support post is also supported by the housing and protrudes from the upper end thereof as a base to which an equipment support structure is attached. In this manner the transfer device can be transferred from one docking cone to another with minimal handling and virtually no possibility of dislodgement.