Self-Supporting Fluid Pallet Platform for Patient Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current patient transfer systems, such as air-assisted mattresses, face issues like ballooning, time-consuming inflation, disinfection challenges, high maintenance, and bulkiness, which complicate patient handling and hygiene in healthcare settings.
Innovation Solution
A non-inflatable, self-supporting patient support system with a plenum that uses a fluid source to create a fluid pallet underneath the patient for transfer and temperature control, avoiding the need for inflation and enhancing ease of disinfection and handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If an inflatable mattress system is used for patient transfer, then patient transfer capability is provided, but the system becomes bulky and difficult to store and transport
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a flexible, thin, disposable platform with integrated fluid channels instead of bulky inflatable mattresses. The platform maintains its structural integrity through the fluid circulation system while remaining thin and flat for easy storage and transport.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces inflatable air chambers with a fluid circulation system that uses pumped fluid (water or air) through channels to provide both structural support and thermal control functions, eliminating the need for large inflatable components.
2Ease of operation
If an inflatable mattress is used, then patient transfer is enabled, but disinfection and maintenance become challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs disposable single-use platforms that are discarded after a single patient use, eliminating the need for complex disinfection and maintenance procedures. The low cost of the disposable platform makes this economically viable.
Solution Approach 2:
The platform incorporates visual indicators (such as color changes or markings) that help identify the platform's status, orientation, and proper placement, simplifying operational procedures and reducing errors during patient transfer.
3Productivity
If traditional patient transfer methods are used, then patient transfer can occur, but skin damage and patient discomfort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a fluid circulation system that creates a fluid cushion between the platform and patient, reducing friction and shear forces during transfer while providing uniform support to prevent pressure ulcers and skin damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The platform dynamically adjusts fluid flow and pressure distribution in response to patient movement and positioning requirements, optimizing support and minimizing harmful forces on the patient's skin and body during transfer operations.
4Temperature
If patient temperature control is added to transfer systems, then thermal management is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions (structural support, patient transfer, and thermal control) into a single unified platform system. The fluid circulation channels serve both structural and thermal functions, eliminating the need for separate systems and reducing overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the structural support framework and thermal control pathways into a single integrated platform structure, where the same fluid channels provide both mechanical integrity and temperature regulation, simplifying the overall system architecture.
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 system allows for efficient, safe, and hygienic patient transfer and temperature control without the drawbacks of inflatable mattresses, reducing the risk of skin damage and improving worker safety while being easy to clean and maintain.
Implementation Method 1
The platform can further include a fluid source fluidly coupled to the plenum, the fluid source being a positive pressure fluid source configured to move fluid from the fluid source into the plenum and out the plurality of apertures
Data Source
AI summary
Patient support systems and methods for transferring patients and controlling patient temperature. The system can include a non-inflatable and self-supporting platform that can include a first surface and a second surface separated by a distance, a plurality of supporting structures that extends at least partially across the distance between the first surface and the second surface, a plenum, and a plurality of apertures formed through at least one of the first surface and the second surface and in fluid communication with the plenum. The system can further include a fluid source configured to move fluid into the plenum and out the plurality of apertures. A method of transferring a patient can include moving fluid into the plenum and out the plurality of apertures to form a fluid pallet. A method of controlling patient temperature can include moving a temperature-controlled fluid into the plenum and out the plurality of apertures.