Dual Docking Cup Transfer Locking for Life Support Equipment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical equipment transfer systems are inefficient, costly, and pose safety risks due to complex mechanisms, lack of standardization, and inadequate infection control, often requiring extensive staff training and time, while failing to securely lock equipment during transport and optimize patient care positioning.
Innovation Solution
A transfer system with standardized, simpler components that uses a vertical lift mechanism to securely lock life support equipment between stationary and mobile platforms, minimizing misalignment issues and allowing intuitive operation, while reducing maintenance costs and improving infection control through reduced crevices and exposed fasteners.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If complex mechanisms are used to transfer equipment, then reliability of transfer can be improved, but device complexity increases and manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The transfer system is divided into separate functional components: a transfer device with docking cups, support platforms with receivers, and a security mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while maintaining overall system reliability through standardized interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The transfer device is designed with universal docking cups that can receive different receiver types from various support platforms. This multi-functionality allows the same transfer device to work with multiple platform configurations, reducing the need for complex specialized mechanisms while maintaining reliability across different use cases.
2Ease of manufacture
If standardized components are used, then manufacturing cost decreases and ease of manufacture increases, but adaptability to different platforms may be limited
Solution Approach 1:
The docking cups are designed with universal receiving capabilities that can accommodate multiple receiver configurations. The standardized docking interface allows the same transfer device to work with different support platforms (stationary wall-mounted, mobile wheeled platforms, overhead suspending platforms) without requiring custom components for each platform type.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates movable and adjustable components that can adapt to different platform configurations. The transfer device can be positioned and oriented to match various receiver locations, providing dynamic adaptability while maintaining standardized component design for ease of manufacture.
3Reliability
If security mechanism is added to lock equipment, then reliability of locking increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The security mechanism is integrated into the docking cup structure itself, combining the locking function with the existing transfer interface. This merging eliminates the need for separate locking components and reduces overall device complexity while maintaining reliable locking through the inherent mechanical engagement of the docking cup and receiver design.
4Reliability
If complex transfer mechanisms are used, then safety of transfer can be improved, but ease of operation decreases and staff training time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The transfer system incorporates self-aligning and self-locking features that automatically ensure safe transfer without requiring complex manual operations. The docking cup and receiver design provides inherent guidance and securing, allowing caregivers to perform transfers with minimal training while maintaining high safety standards.
5Object-affected harmful factors
If more crevices and exposed fasteners are present, then ease of cleaning decreases and infection control worsens, but manufacturing flexibility increases
Solution Approach 1:
The transfer device incorporates smooth, continuous surfaces without crevices or exposed fasteners, creating a seamless structure that is easy to clean and maintain. This design approach uses integrated housings and concealed fastening mechanisms that preserve manufacturing flexibility while eliminating infection control hazards through smooth, non-porous surfaces.
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed is a transfer system for a patient care apparatus, the transfer system including: a transfer device including a first docking cup and a second docking cup, each of the first docking cup and the second docking cup sized to accept a receiver; and a security mechanism enclosed within the transfer device and including a first security lever and a second security lever, the first security lever positioned to disengage a first receiver in the first docking cup when a second receiver is received within the second docking cup, and the second security lever positioned to disengage the second receiver in the second docking cup when the first receiver is received within the first docking cup.