Low Pressure Fluidized Transfer Pad for Patient Handling
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current lifting and transfer devices in medical and hospitality industries often lead to injuries and strains for personnel due to the need for physical exertion, and existing solutions are either costly or inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A low-pressure fluidized transfer pad with a plenum chamber, fluid weir, and central membrane design that allows for horizontal and vertical movement of patients or objects with reduced strain on personnel, using a pressurized fluid film for efficient and safe transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If mechanical lift systems are used, then lifting and transfer operations can be performed, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a plenum chamber filled with pressurized gas (typically air) to create a fluidized bed that enables lifting and horizontal transfer of patients. The pneumatic system replaces complex mechanical lift mechanisms with a simpler gas-pressure-based system that provides smooth, controlled movement without mechanical contact points.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs flexible membranes and thin-walled plenum chambers that can deform and adapt to patient contours. The flexible structure allows the device to conform to irregular shapes while maintaining internal gas pressure, enabling safe and comfortable patient transfer without rigid mechanical components.
2Ease of manufacture
If physical exertion is used for patient transfer, then no expensive equipment is needed, but personnel suffer from injuries and strains
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical lifting with a pneumatic fluidized bed system. The pressurized gas provides the lifting force that previously required human physical exertion, eliminating repetitive bending and lifting strains while maintaining simplicity in the overall system approach.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces pressurized gas as an intermediary medium between the transfer device and the patient. This gas cushion acts as a mediator that enables patient movement without direct mechanical contact or human physical strain, transferring the effort from personnel to the pneumatic system.
3Force
If high pressure fluidized devices are used, then lifting capability is improved, but the risk of damage to patients or objects increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses low pressure gas (typically less than 1 psi) rather than high pressure, applying just enough force to fluidize the bed and enable patient movement. This partial action approach provides sufficient lifting capability while avoiding excessive forces that could damage patients or objects.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a cushion of pressurized gas before patient contact occurs. This pre-established gas cushion absorbs and distributes forces evenly, preventing localized high-stress points that could cause damage to patients or transferred objects during the transfer process.
4Manufacturing precision
If complex mechanical systems are used, then transfer precision is improved, but operational efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a dynamic pneumatic system where gas pressure can be quickly adjusted to control patient movement. The fluidized bed responds immediately to pressure changes, allowing precise control of lifting and horizontal transfer operations without the inertia and complexity of mechanical systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent controls transfer precision by changing gas pressure parameters rather than adjusting mechanical components. By varying the pressure level in the plenum chamber, the system can smoothly control the degree of patient lift and movement, achieving precise positioning through simple parameter adjustment.
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 reduces the risk of injury to personnel and damage to patients or objects, improves operational efficiency, and is cost-effective by using fewer materials and simplifying manufacturing processes, while being portable and easy to store or dispose of.
Implementation Method 1
Low pressure fluidized horizontal and vertical movement device
Implementation Method 2
using a pressurized fluid film for efficient and safe transfer
Data Source
AI summary
Transfer pads for horizontal and/or vertical translocation are provided. The transfer pads include the fewest possible number of components required to provide a plenum chamber, the operative features of which are controlled at least by the provision of one or more interior sheets having specific characteristics with respect to position, perforation and attachment.