Docking Indicator Mechanism for Secure Patient Transfer Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current transfer systems in patient care environments lack clear indication of engagement or disengagement, leading to inefficiencies and hazards during patient transport, as caregivers struggle to determine if equipment is securely locked in place, especially when components are misaligned.
Innovation Solution
A transfer system with a housing containing docking cups and a security mechanism featuring biasing members and indicators that visibly signal engagement or disengagement, ensuring secure locking and easy user feedback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a transfer system is used to support and transfer equipment between platforms, then patient transport efficiency is improved, but it becomes difficult to determine when equipment is securely locked in place
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs color-coded indicators (e.g., green for locked, red for unlocked) that change color or position to provide immediate visual feedback on the engagement status of the transfer device with the support platform. This resolves the information loss problem by making the locked/unlocked state visibly apparent without requiring staff to inspect mechanical components.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates visual feedback mechanisms including indicators, windows, and displays that continuously show the engagement status. When the transfer device is properly locked to the support platform, the feedback system activates to confirm secure attachment, eliminating uncertainty and improving transport efficiency through confident operation.
2Reliability
If components are not properly aligned during docking, then secure locking cannot be achieved, but there is no clear indication of misalignment to caregivers
Solution Approach 1:
Visual indicators change color or position based on alignment status. When components are misaligned, the indicators display a warning state (e.g., red color or offset position), making misalignment immediately detectable. When properly aligned and locked, the indicators show a confirmed state (e.g., green color or centered position), ensuring reliable secure locking through clear visual detection.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If multiple caregivers are required to move equipment during patient transport, then safety is improved, but staff time and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The transfer device automatically engages with the support platform through self-aligning docking cups and receivers. The system performs the locking action without requiring manual intervention from multiple caregivers, reducing staff time and operational complexity while maintaining safety through automatic secure attachment confirmed by visual indicators.
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 system ensures secure and efficient patient transport by clearly indicating when equipment is locked, reducing the risk of equipment dislodgment and streamlining the transfer process, thereby enhancing safety and reducing staff time and effort.
Implementation Method 1
a first biasing member engaged with the first security lever and configured to bias the first security lever towards engagement with the receiver
Data Source
AI summary
A transfer device can include a housing including first and second docking cups, each of the first and second docking cups configured to receive and lockably engage a receiver of a transfer system; a security mechanism positioned inside the housing, the security mechanism including: first and second security levers; a first biasing member engaged with the first security lever and configured to bias the first security lever towards engagement with the receiver; and a second biasing member engaged with the second security lever and configured to bias the second security lever towards engagement with the receiver; and an indicator coupled to the security mechanism and at least partially visible from outside the housing, the indicator configured to indicate to a user of the transfer system whether the receiver is lockably engaged with one of the first and second docking cups.