Collapsible Lifting Device With Segmented Legs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lifting devices are not suitable for a single caregiver to lift a person from the floor or ground without causing discomfort or injury, as they are often cumbersome, difficult to assemble, and not easily transportable or storable, posing risks to both the caregiver and the patient.
Innovation Solution
A collapsible lifting device with pivoting, hinged, and sliding connections, hinged braces, and a seat member, designed for easy setup and use by a single caregiver, featuring a compact and portable design that includes a winch and pulley system for safe patient lifting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional lifting devices are used, then lifting capability is provided, but the device is cumbersome and difficult for a single caregiver to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting device is divided into multiple collapsible legs that can be independently assembled and disassembled. Each leg functions as a separate module that can be easily handled by a single caregiver, eliminating the need for complex assembly operations while maintaining structural integrity during use.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates collapsible legs with hinges and locking mechanisms that allow the structure to transition between a compact stored state and an expanded operational state. This dynamic design enables a single caregiver to easily set up and dismantle the device without requiring multiple people or complex procedures.
2Ease of operation
If conventional lifting devices are used, then lifting function is provided, but the device is not easily transportable or storable
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into multiple detachable legs that can be collapsed and stored in a compact configuration. This segmentation allows the device to be easily transported in a vehicle trunk or stored in a small space while maintaining full functionality when deployed.
Solution Approach 2:
The collapsible legs are designed to nest within each other when collapsed, creating a compact storage configuration similar to a nested doll structure. This nesting capability significantly reduces the storage volume and transport requirements while preserving the full lifting capability when the device is assembled.
3Reliability
If emergency personnel are summoned for lift assist, then patient lifting is ensured, but emergency resources are occupied and patient is exposed to unnecessary risks
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting device is specifically designed to be operated by a single typical caregiver without requiring professional emergency personnel. The intuitive design, collapsible structure, and user-friendly mechanisms enable caregivers to safely lift patients themselves, eliminating the need to summon emergency services for non-critical situations and reducing patient exposure to unnecessary risks.
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 device allows safe and comfortable lifting of patients from the floor or ground, reducing the risk of injury to both the caregiver and the patient, while being easily transportable and storable, making it suitable for home use.
Implementation Method 1
a winch and pulley system for safe patient lifting
Data Source
AI summary
A collapsible lifting device including a top support member, multiple braced legs extending downward, and a hoist assembly. The legs may be hingedly, pivotally, and/or slidably connected to the other legs and/or to braces and/or to the top support member. The device is easily transportable and storable. The device may be used by a single typical caregiver to lift a person or other load from a lower position to a higher position or from a higher position to a lower position, such as lifting a person from the floor to a seated position. The device is movable from a collapsed position, defined as the feet of the legs being together, to an open position, defined as the feet of the legs extended apart with braces positionally fixed.