Conical Docking Transfer Device for Secure Medical Equipment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current medical equipment transfer systems are inefficient and hazardous due to the lack of a secure locking mechanism, complex and costly components, and inadequate alignment sensitivity, leading to accidental dislodging and increased staff training requirements during patient transport.

Innovation Solution

A transfer device with a clamshell housing and security mechanism that securely locks equipment between stationary and mobile platforms using a vertical lift mechanism, minimizing crevices and exposed fasteners for infection control, and allowing intuitive operation with reduced misalignment sensitivity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a security mechanism is added to prevent accidental dislodging, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprevention of accidental dislodgingVSAvoidcomplexity of transfer system

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The transfer device automatically engages and disengages from docking cones through its own vertical movement during patient bed elevation and lowering, without requiring external locking mechanisms or additional actuators. The security mechanism is inherent in the vertical lift engagement itself

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses docking cones as intermediary elements that simplify the connection interface between the transfer device and support structures. The conical geometry provides automatic alignment and secure engagement through a simple geometric interface rather than complex mechanical locks

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of manufacture

If standardized components are used, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but adaptability to different platforms decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing costVSAvoidcompatibility with different platforms

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The transfer device is designed with universal docking cones that can engage with various support structures including stationary platforms, mobile carts, and patient beds. The standardized conical interface allows the same device to function across multiple platform types without modification

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The transfer device incorporates a movable, articulated structure that can dynamically adjust its position and orientation during transfer operations. The device moves vertically with the patient bed and can be positioned at different locations along the bed, providing adaptability through motion rather than fixed configurations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Productivity

If the equipment support structure is moved to a mobile support platform, then productivity is improved, but the risk of accidental dislodging increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveefficiency of patient transportVSAvoidsecurity of equipment during transport

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The transfer device is designed to move vertically in unison with the patient bed through the elevation and lowering mechanism, maintaining a constant relative position. This equipotential movement ensures the equipment remains securely positioned on the mobile platform throughout transport without additional securing measures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #12Equipotentiality

4Manufacturing precision

If the docking mechanism is made sensitive to alignment, then manufacturing precision is improved, but ease of operation decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvealignment precision of docking componentsVSAvoiddifficulty of docking operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The docking interface uses conical surfaces with specific geometric curvature that provide self-aligning properties. The conical shape guides the engagement process, automatically correcting minor misalignments and allowing operators to dock the device without precise manual positioning

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Solution Approach 2:

The docking cones are designed with specific dimensional parameters including angle and diameter that optimize both alignment tolerance and engagement security. The geometric parameters are chosen to provide a balance between manufacturing precision requirements and operational ease

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS9827062B2Secure equipment transfer system

Publication Date: 2017.11.28 NEXXSPAN HEALTHCARE LLC

AI summary

A transfer device for a patient care apparatus includes: a first docking cup and a second docking cup, each of the first docking cup and the second docking cup aligned with a vertical axis, defining a conical surface aligned with the vertical axis, and sized to receive a receiver; a security mechanism enclosed within the transfer device; a support shaft disposed between the first docking cup and the second docking cup; and a shaft brake mechanism engageable with the support shaft, at least a portion of the shaft brake mechanism disposed below the support shaft and disposed between the first docking cup and the second docking cup.