Double-Release Patient Belt Alarm for Early Fall Warning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fall-prevention belts are easily disengaged, providing insufficient warning time for medical personnel, are expensive, and can restrict patient movement, leading to discomfort and potential bed sores, especially in hospital settings where sterility and cost are concerns.
Innovation Solution
A double-release alarm belt with multiple straps and a cord-connected alarm system that requires sequential disengagement in two directions, allowing for increased warning time and disposable or reusable options, while allowing side-to-side patient movement without triggering the alarm.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional single-release belt is used, then the belt is easy to disengage, but the warning time for medical personnel is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The belt is divided into multiple independent strap segments (first strap, second strap, third strap) that must be disengaged sequentially. The first strap disengagement triggers the alarm, providing warning time, while the second and third straps complete the release process. This segmentation transforms a single quick-release action into a multi-step process with built-in warning time.
2Productivity
If a reusable fall-prevention belt is used, then the device can be reused, but cleaning costs and sterility concerns increase
Solution Approach 1:
The belt is designed as a disposable device that can be discarded after a single use. This eliminates the need for expensive cleaning and sterilization processes required for reusable belts, reducing both cleaning costs and sterility concerns while maintaining the ability to provide fall prevention functionality.
3Reliability
If a restrictive fall-prevention belt is used, then patient safety is improved, but patient comfort deteriorates due to restricted movement
Solution Approach 1:
The belt incorporates a ratchet mechanism that allows one-way movement, enabling the belt to accommodate patient movement in comfortable directions while preventing dangerous backward movement that could lead to falls. This dynamic design maintains safety while improving patient comfort during normal activities.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for monitoring the location of a patient using an integrated belt and sensor for alarm for patient furniture. The belt may include a plurality of straps configured to be releasably attached to one another and an alarm system that is triggered when at least one of the straps is disengaged from the other strap or straps. By requiring multiple straps to be released from one another, the amount of time it takes to remove the belt can be increased, which provides medical personnel additional time to reach a patient. Additionally, the system may include additional components to allow a patient to move side-to-side relative to the furniture or device. For instance, where the furniture is a bed, side-to-side movement is desired for added comfort. The system may include a slider enabling the belt to be adjustable for patients of any number of different sizes.