Fabric Restraint Device for Ambulance Cot Patient Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional ambulance cots and stretchers are insufficient for transporting obese individuals, as they are not large enough to accommodate growing body sizes safely, and modifying or replacing existing equipment is impractical and costly.
Innovation Solution
A patient restraining device comprising a sheet of fabric with secured connector straps that can be fastened to a traditional ambulance cot, allowing for secure and comfortable restraint of larger individuals by wrapping around their body, thereby accommodating individuals who exceed standard cot sizes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional ambulance cots are used, then existing equipment can be utilized, but obese individuals cannot be safely accommodated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a fabric sheet as an intermediary component between the traditional ambulance cot and the obese patient. The fabric sheet extends beyond the cot boundaries to provide additional support surface area, allowing obese individuals to be safely accommodated on standard equipment without requiring cot replacement or modification.
2Adaptability or versatility
If larger ambulance cots are introduced, then obese individuals can be accommodated, but the cots may not fit into existing ambulances or doorways
Solution Approach 1:
The solution separates the patient support function from the cot structure itself. The fabric sheet acts as a detachable, extendable support surface that can be added to standard cots, eliminating the need to replace entire cot assemblies with larger, non-compatible models.
Solution Approach 2:
The fabric sheet serves as an intermediary that extends the functional support area beyond the physical boundaries of the standard cot, allowing obese patients to be accommodated without increasing the cot's base dimensions to non-compatible sizes.
3Adaptability or versatility
If all existing ambulance cots are replaced, then obese individuals can be accommodated, but it would be expensive and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The fabric sheet represents a low-cost, simple addition compared to replacing entire ambulance cots. This economical approach allows widespread adoption without significant financial investment or operational disruption.
Solution Approach 2:
The fabric sheet can be used with any standard ambulance cot, creating a universal solution that works across the entire fleet without requiring equipment replacement. The same fabric sheet design can accommodate different cot models and sizes.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a supplement platform is provided, then obese individuals can be accommodated, but it encounters the same fitting problems as larger cots
Solution Approach 1:
The fabric sheet is a flexible, thin material that can be easily positioned and secured on top of the existing cot. Unlike rigid supplement platforms, the flexible fabric can conform to the cot structure and is simple to install and remove as needed.
Data Source
AI summary
A patient restraining device is secured to a patient supporting structure to more safely support a person's body during transport from one place to another. The device includes a sheet of fabric and connector straps secured to the fabric. After the device is fastened to the patient supporting structure, and the person is positioned on the patient supporting structure, the fabric is wrapped about the person's body, and the connector straps are secured about the fabric and the person's body. Among other things, the device may be used to increase the “patient capacity” of an otherwise conventional ambulance cot.