Multi-functional evacuation blanket
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current patient transport tools fail to effectively manage continuity of care, prevent nosocomial and iatrogenic infections, maintain linen inventory, and ensure safe patient transport in emergency situations, particularly during transfers and evacuations.
Innovation Solution
A multifunctional evacuation blanket with an absorbent layer, transparent and opaque pockets, detachable identification bands, and reinforced straps that can convert into a stretcher blanket, allowing for secure patient transport and easy transfer of medical information and personal belongings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional patient transport tools are used, then patient transport can be performed, but continuity of care cannot be ensured and medical information cannot follow the patient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the patient transport blanket with multiple functional components including storage pockets for medical information and belongings, a wristband for patient identification, and an absorbent layer for biological material containment. This merging of transport function with information carrying and protective functions ensures continuity of care while preventing information loss during patient transfer between facilities.
2Reliability
If traditional linens are used for patient transport, then patient transport is possible, but biological material transfer occurs leading to nosocomial and iatrogenic infections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a disposable absorbent layer that can be detached and discarded after use. This disposable component captures biological materials during transport and is then discarded, preventing the transfer of infectious materials between facilities and eliminating the risk of nosocomial and iatrogenic infections while maintaining transport functionality.
3Reliability
If traditional blankets are used for patient transport, then transport can be performed, but linen loss occurs causing increased hospital costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the blanket into a reusable outer blanket component and a disposable absorbent liner. The reusable blanket can be washed and reused multiple times, while the disposable liner is discarded after single use. This segmentation reduces overall linen loss by eliminating the need to discard the entire blanket after each use, thereby reducing hospital costs while maintaining hygiene standards.
4Ease of operation
If simple transport blankets are used, then transport is possible, but no organized method exists for transferring medical information and personal belongings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple storage pockets directly into the blanket structure, allowing medical information, personal belongings, and identification bands to be securely attached and transported with the patient. This merging of storage functionality with the transport blanket creates an organized system that prevents information loss and ensures all necessary items accompany the patient during transfer.
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 blanket ensures continuity of care, reduces infection risk, maintains linen inventory, and facilitates safe patient transport by providing a secure and organized method for medical information and personal items, meeting regulatory requirements and enhancing patient safety during emergency transfers.
Implementation Method 1
The identification band is configured to attach to the evacuation blanket with a mechanical interlocking mechanism
Implementation Method 2
The evacuation blanket includes an absorbent layer configured to absorb biological materials
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is a device and method for evacuating patients during medical emergencies. The device is an evacuation blanket comprised of a cover and a carrier. The cover includes a number of inventive elements supporting an improved method of evacuating patients and matching those patients to the blanket used for their evacuation after the patient has been evacuated to a destination and separated from the blanket.