Collapsible Net Stretcher for Tight Space Rescue
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing patient transfer devices are cumbersome, rigid, and often unsuitable for emergency or non-emergency transfers in various environments, posing risks to patients and responders, and failing to accommodate tight spaces or water-based rescues effectively.
Innovation Solution
A lightweight, foldable Tactical Rescue/Transfer Device featuring two netting panels joined by a vertical fastening system, equipped with hand strap handles and web strapping for secure patient transfer, allowing for rapid extraction and use in dry or water-based rescues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If rigid wooden slats or tubular framing are used in the stretcher, then structural strength is improved, but adaptability to tight spaces deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The stretcher is divided into multiple collapsible sections that can be segmented and reconfigured. The frame consists of interconnected panels that can be folded or collapsed to reduce the overall footprint, allowing the stretcher to adapt to tight spaces while maintaining structural integrity when assembled.
Solution Approach 2:
The stretcher employs dynamic, movable components rather than fixed rigid structures. The collapsible frame and adjustable panels allow the device to transition between different configurations, providing both strength when needed and compactness for navigating tight corridors or elevators.
2Strength
If solid sheet material with wooden inserts is used, then patient support is improved, but weight increases making water rescue difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The stretcher utilizes a flexible netting material that forms a supportive surface for the patient. This thin film structure provides adequate patient support while being significantly lighter than solid sheet materials, and allows water to pass through during water rescue operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The netting material is inherently porous, allowing water to flow through it during water-based rescues. This eliminates the weight penalty of water absorption that plagues solid materials, while still providing sufficient structural support for patient transfer.
3Reliability
If rigid scoop stretcher is used, then patient security is improved, but ease of operation in tight areas deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The scoop stretcher design is segmented into collapsible sections that can be folded or compressed to fit through narrow openings. The patient security features such as straps and anchoring points remain functional in the collapsed configuration, allowing the device to be easily operated in tight areas while maintaining patient security.
4Stability of the object's composition
If wooden slats are used in the stretcher, then structural rigidity is improved, but ease of manufacture in water environments deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The stretcher employs a flexible netting material that eliminates the need for wooden slats or metal framing. This single-piece or minimally assembled construction is much easier to manufacture and deploy in water environments, while the netting structure provides sufficient stability for patient transfer operations.
Data Source
AI summary
A Tactical Rescue/Transfer Device includes two mesh netting panels joined by a coil vertical zipper (fastening system) from top to bottom of the device allowing for safe, expedient patient rescue/transfers, extrication of a patient or provide safe, expedient transfers of a patient with minimal risk to patient and/or provider safety.