Elastomeric Bed Rail Attachment Apparatus

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing attachment mechanisms for IV poles and hospital bed rails have large surface areas and complex designs, making them difficult to decontaminate effectively and are not economically feasible for regular disposal, posing risks for infection control in hospital environments.

Innovation Solution

A disposable attachment apparatus constructed from a continuous molded elastomeric material with a simple, one-piece design that allows for easy disinfection and economical replacement, featuring protrusions and receiving portions for secure attachment to IV poles and bed rails, ensuring a sturdy connection while minimizing surface area for effective decontamination.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If existing attachment mechanisms are used, then secure attachment is achieved, but surface area and design complexity increase making decontamination difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment securityVSAvoiddesign complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple attachment functions into a single integrated clamp structure that attaches to both the IV pole and bed rail simultaneously. This merging of functions reduces the number of separate components and crevices, making the device simpler to decontaminate while maintaining secure attachment reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The attachment mechanism is designed to universally attach to multiple surfaces (IV poles and bed rails) using a single device configuration. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for multiple specialized attachment devices, reducing overall system complexity and decontamination requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If existing attachment mechanisms are used, then secure attachment is achieved, but surface area increases making decontamination difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment securityVSAvoidsurface area

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

By merging the attachment functions into a single compact clamp structure, the patent minimizes the total surface area that requires decontamination while maintaining secure attachment to both the IV pole and bed rail.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If complex multi-part attachment devices are used, then secure attachment is achieved, but disposal becomes economically infeasible

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment securityVSAvoiddisposal economy

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a single-piece molded construction that segments out the complexity of multiple separate parts. This unified structure is easier and more economical to manufacture as a disposable item compared to multi-part assemblies that require complex manufacturing and assembly processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The attachment device is designed as a disposable single-use item made from inexpensive materials. The simple single-piece construction makes it economically feasible to manufacture and dispose of after use, eliminating the need for expensive sterilization and reprocessing infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

4Device complexity

If single-piece molded elastomeric design is used, then decontamination ease and disposal economy improve, but attachment security may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedesign simplicityVSAvoidattachment security

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses elastomeric material with specific mechanical properties that provide both simplicity of construction and secure attachment. The elastomeric properties allow the single-piece design to deform and conform to attachment surfaces while maintaining strong holding force, resolving the contradiction between design simplicity and attachment security.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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 solution provides a sanitary and cost-effective means to attach bladder bags and other medical devices, reducing the risk of contamination by allowing easy disinfection and disposal, thus enhancing infection control in hospital settings.

Implementation Method 1

an elastomeric material that enables the hospital bed rail attachment apparatus to maintain a sturdy connection with the hospital bed rail

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS10456520B2Stretchable attachment apparatus

Publication Date: 2019.10.29 CLINICAL BIOTECH RES INST AT RSFH

AI summary

A hospital bed rail attachment apparatus constructed of molded silicone or another form of elastomeric substance. An embodiment of the present disclosure includes an elongated member having a first appendage, a second appendage, and a central portion extending between the first appendage and the second appendage. The first appendage may include a first protrusion and a first receiving portion being configured to receive the first protrusion. The second appendage may include a second protrusion and a second receiving portion being configured to receive the second protrusion. Embodiments of the present disclosure may include a pair of elongated members being configured to be selectively coupled to a container at a first end and a hospital bed rail at a second end.