Docking Wheelchair and Transfer Bed for Gap-Free Patient Transfer
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current patient transfer systems between beds and wheelchairs are labor-intensive, time-consuming, and pose risks of injury to patients and caregivers due to gaps between the wheelchair seat and bed, requiring manual intervention and smaller wheels that limit mobility.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a transfer bed with pivoting frame sections, a conveyor, and a docking assembly that allows the wheelchair seat to slide and rotate, reducing manual effort and minimizing the risk of mattress displacement, while enabling easy transfer and maintaining patient mobility with conventional-sized wheels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a wheelchair with smaller wheels is used for patient transfer, then the transfer process is facilitated, but the patient's mobility distance and terrain capability are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the transfer process into distinct phases: the wheelchair remains stationary for transfer operations while the bed frame portions move independently to facilitate patient transfer, then return to horizontal position. This segmentation allows the wheelchair to maintain standard wheel size for mobility while the automated bed mechanism handles the transfer function.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual intervention is used for patient transfer, then flexibility and adaptability are maintained, but labor intensity and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service patient transfer through automated mechanisms. The bed frame portions automatically pivot to transfer position, the conveyor automatically moves the patient, and the frame portions automatically return to horizontal position, reducing reliance on manual caregiver intervention while maintaining transfer flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces manual mechanical lifting and positioning with an automated mechanical system involving actuators, conveyor belts, and controlled frame portion pivoting. This substitution maintains adaptability while dramatically increasing transfer speed and reducing labor intensity.
3Measurement precision
If the bed frame is moved manually, then control precision is maintained, but the risk of mattress shifting and injury increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates sensors that detect the position of the bed frame portions and conveyor, providing feedback control to ensure precise positioning during transfer. This automated feedback mechanism maintains control precision while eliminating the harmful factor of manual handling that causes mattress shifting and potential injury.
4Length of moving object
If conventional wheelchair size is used, then patient mobility is maintained, but the gap between wheelchair seat and bed requires manual assistance
Solution Approach 1:
The system makes the bed frame portions dynamic rather than static. The frame portions automatically pivot to a transfer position that dynamically adjusts the gap between the wheelchair seat and bed, eliminating the need for manual assistance while maintaining standard wheelchair size for patient mobility.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for patient transfer, including patient transfer from a bed to a rollable chair and patient transfer from a wheelchair to a bed. A docking assembly can connect a rollable chair to a bed for transfer. The systems and methods can provide a safe, dignified, and comfortable transfer for patients. A transfer bed, a docking assembly, and a wheelchair can be used together as a system and can reduce the physical and psychological burden of bedridden patients and their caregivers. The transfer bed, docking assembly, and wheelchair can be appropriate for use within a patient's home, nursing home, hospital or any location where a patient is transferred between a bed and a wheelchair. The transfer bed, docking assembly, and wheelchair can be controlled such that a patient is transferred from a bed to a wheelchair or from a wheelchair to a bed.