Directional Friction Patient Positioning Cushion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Caregivers face difficulties in positioning patients with limited mobility in seated positions and maintaining them there, as existing apparatuses fail to adequately prevent sliding and falls, and provide insufficient protection against pressure ulcers.
Innovation Solution
A chair apparatus with a cushioning member and selective gliding assembly that includes a brushed fiber material and stitched material with directional stitching, allowing rearward sliding while resisting forward and lateral movement, along with straps for user assistance and a movement limiting mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a patient with limited mobility is pushed or pulled backward in the chair to be seated in the proper position, then the patient can be positioned correctly, but this causes strain on the caregiver
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a positioning device with a first member (base layer) and a second member (top layer) that acts as an intermediary between the caregiver and the patient. The second member can be pulled independently of the patient through straps, allowing the caregiver to reposition the patient without direct physical contact or strain. The device absorbs the mechanical effort required for positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning device is divided into separate functional components: a first member that provides base support and friction resistance, and a second member that directly contacts the patient and can be independently manipulated. This segmentation allows the caregiver to control the positioning mechanism separately from the patient's body, reducing the force required.
2Reliability
If existing apparatuses are used to position patients in chairs, then some positioning support is provided, but they fail to adequately prevent sliding and falls
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different surface properties to different parts of the device. The first member has a top surface with high friction characteristics to prevent backward sliding, while the bottom surface has low friction for easy chair movement. The second member features slip-resistant material on its top surface to prevent patient sliding. These localized quality variations address specific sliding risks in different directions and locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The device pre-establishes resistance mechanisms before sliding or falls occur. The high friction surface on the first member's top surface is designed to counteract backward sliding forces, while the low friction bottom surface prevents the entire device from sticking to the chair. The slip-resistant material on the second member proactively prevents patient sliding before it becomes a hazard.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If patients spend significant time in seated positions, then they receive necessary care and support, but pressure ulcers can pose problems
Solution Approach 1:
The cushioning member changes the pressure distribution parameters beneath the patient's body. By introducing a compliant, pressure-redistributing layer between the patient and the chair, the device modifies the contact pressure parameters to reduce peak pressures that cause ulcer formation, allowing for extended seated duration.
4Ease of operation
If the top sheet is made slidable on the bottom sheet to facilitate positioning, then easy positioning is achieved, but forward and lateral sliding cannot be controlled
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates asymmetric friction characteristics between the first and second members. The interface is designed to allow easy sliding in the rearward direction (toward the chair back) while providing resistance to forward and lateral sliding. This asymmetric behavior enables simple positioning operations while maintaining stability against unwanted movement directions.
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
Facilitates easy positioning and maintains patients in an upright seated position, reduces sliding and falls, and helps prevent pressure ulcers by providing comfortable cushioning and controlled movement.
Implementation Method 1
a selective gliding assembly positioned between the top sheet and the bottom sheet... the first engagement member and the second engagement member engage each other to resist sliding of the top sheet in a forward direction relative to the bottom sheet and to permit sliding of the top sheet in a rearward direction relative to the bottom sheet
Data Source
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AI summary
An apparatus is configured for use with a chair having a supporting surface, and includes a cushioning member adapted to be placed above the supporting surface, a bottom sheet connected to the cushioning member and having an engagement surface opposite the cushioning member, a top sheet having a bottom surface positioned in confronting relation to the engagement surface and a top surface opposite the bottom surface, and a selective gliding assembly positioned between the top and bottom sheets. The top sheet has at least one end connected to the bottom sheet, and the top sheet further has a slip resistant material positioned on the top surface. The selective gliding assembly includes engagement members positioned on the engagement surface and on the bottom surface of the top sheet, and the engagement members engage each other to resist forward sliding of the top sheet and to permit rearward sliding of the top sheet.