S-Shaped Dual-Hook Coupler for Patient Transport Accessories

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing solutions for securing movable accessory devices relative to patient supports are impractical for hospital settings due to high costs, complex installation, difficulty in disinfection, and storage requirements, making it challenging to safely transport patients with IV lines or other accessories without risking disconnection during movement.

Innovation Solution

The development of an S-shaped apparatus with dual opposing hooks that securely attach to both the patient support and accessory device, allowing for easy use, cleaning, and storage, enabling safe tandem movement without the need for permanent installation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If existing securing devices are used to attach accessory devices to patient supports, then the accessory device can be secured during transport, but the devices are costly, complex to install, difficult to disinfect, and require impractical storage space

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecuring reliabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The securing device is divided into two separate hooks: a first hook that attaches to the accessory device and a second hook that attaches to the patient support. This segmentation allows each hook to be independently designed for its specific function, simplifying the overall device structure while maintaining secure attachment during transport

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The first hook and second hook are positioned to nest together when the accessory device is attached to the patient support. The hooks interlock in a nested configuration that provides secure fastening while keeping the device compact for storage and easy to disinfect

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Reliability

If existing securing devices are used, then the accessory device can be secured, but installation and disinfection processes become complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecuring reliabilityVSAvoidease of disinfection

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The design extracts the essential securing function into two simple hooks without additional complex mechanisms. This extraction eliminates complicated installation procedures and creates smooth surfaces that are easy to clean and disinfect, addressing healthcare hygiene requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of using complex locking mechanisms that require multiple steps to install and disinfect, the invention inverts the approach by using simple hooks that attach through basic insertion and removal. This inverted simplicity makes the device easy to operate, clean, and store

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Productivity

If healthcare providers use one hand to push the patient support and the other to tow the accessory device, then both can be moved, but the risk of inadvertent disconnection increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransport efficiencyVSAvoidconnection reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The first hook and second hook are merged into a single integrated securing device that simultaneously attaches to both the accessory device and patient support. This merging creates a unified connection system that prevents inadvertent disconnection during transport while allowing the healthcare provider to use both hands for pushing and steering

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Reliability

If prior art securing devices are implemented, then accessory devices can be secured to patient supports, but the cost and storage requirements become impractical for hospital settings

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecuring reliabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The securing device is designed as a simple, inexpensive object that can be easily manufactured and replaced if needed. The basic hook structure uses minimal materials and simple construction methods, making it cost-effective for hospital environments where reliability is essential but budget constraints exist

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Data Source

PatentUS10226570B2Apparatus and method for temporarily securing a movable accessory device relative to a movable patient

Publication Date: 2019.03.12 SETON HEALTHCARE FAMILY

AI summary

This disclosure includes apparatuses and methods for temporarily securing a movable accessory structure relative to a movable patient-support structure. Some of the present apparatuses include an S-shaped body having a front, a back, a top, a bottom, a first side, a second side, and a longitudinal axis extending through the first and second sides, the body defining a first hook on the first side, and a second hook on the second side, the first hook opening toward the front of the body to define a first opening, and the second hook opening toward the back of the body to define a second opening. In some apparatuses, the first hook is dimensioned to receive a first member of the patient-support structure, and the second hook is dimensioned to receive a second member of the accessory structure, such that the body will resist separation of the accessory structure from the patient-support structure during movement of the patient-support structure.