X-ray Transparent Heated Stretcher with Conductive Layer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current stretchers, especially heated ones, pose risks due to interference with medical scans, bulkiness, and difficulty in storage, particularly in limited spaces, and increase the risk of hypothermia and injury from frequent patient transfers.
Innovation Solution
A stretcher with a heated section featuring two opposing electrically conductive elements connected to a power source, an X-ray transparent electrically conductive layer for uniform heating, and a portable design that allows for single-use or reusable covers with electronic identifiers to prevent contamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If traditional heated stretchers use metal heating elements, then heating function is achieved, but the stretcher interferes with medical scans and requires patient removal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional metal heating elements with an electrically conductive layer that generates heat through electrical resistance when voltage is applied. This substitution of the heating mechanism allows the stretcher to provide warmth without using metal components that would interfere with medical imaging scans, thereby resolving the contradiction between heating capability and scan compatibility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical and chemical parameters of the heating element by using an electrically conductive layer with specific properties: it must be electrically conductive for heating, X-ray transparent for scan compatibility, and flexible for patient comfort. This parameter transformation allows the same component to fulfill multiple requirements that previously required separate systems
2Temperature
If heated stretchers include heating mechanisms, then patient warmth is provided, but the stretcher becomes bulky and difficult to store
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a flexible electrically conductive layer as the heating element, which can be integrated into the stretcher's fabric or covering. This thin-film approach replaces bulky traditional heating mechanisms, allowing the stretcher to remain lightweight and space-efficient while still providing effective patient warmth during transport
Solution Approach 2:
The patent integrates the electrically conductive layer with the stretcher's existing fabric or covering material to create a composite structure. This combination allows the heating function to be incorporated without adding significant volume or weight, as the conductive layer becomes part of the existing material structure rather than a separate component
3Measurement precision
If patients are frequently transferred to and from stretchers for scanning, then scans can be performed, but the risk of injury increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the stretcher multi-functional by integrating an X-ray transparent heated surface that serves both as a warming mechanism and as a scan-compatible platform. This allows the stretcher to perform both heating and medical imaging functions simultaneously, eliminating the need for patient transfer and thereby improving patient safety while maintaining scanning capability
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
Enables safe and efficient patient transfer and scanning without moving the patient off the stretcher, reduces storage space requirements, and minimizes the risk of hypothermia and injury through uniform and controlled heating.
Implementation Method 1
The electrically conductive layer may be in electrical contact with the opposing electrically conductive elements, to heat up when the opposing electrically conductive elements are powered by the power source
Data Source
AI summary
A stretcher with a heated section, the heated section of the stretcher comprising: two opposing electrically conductive elements positioned at, or towards, opposing sides of the stretcher, wherein the opposing electrically conductive elements are connectable to a power source; an electrically conductive layer in electrical contact with the opposing electrically conductive elements, to heat up when the opposing electrically conductive elements are powered by the power source; such that the electrically conductive layer is X-ray transparent to allow a patient to be X-rayed whilst on the stretcher.