Segmented Patient Transfer Board with Hinged Articulation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current patient transfer devices are inadequate for safely transferring patients between surfaces of unequal height or non-flat surfaces, often requiring multiple caregivers and leading to musculoskeletal injuries for caregivers and potential harm to patients due to lack of support and stability.

Innovation Solution

A foldable patient transfer apparatus with articulating sections and multiple hinges that can conform to various body positions, support patient weight, and facilitate transfers between surfaces of unequal height, featuring a low-friction surface, secure handholds, and the ability to be compactly stored.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional transfer devices are used for transferring patients between surfaces of unequal height or non-flat surfaces, then the transfer can be facilitated, but the devices lack sufficient support and stability leading to potential injury to patients and caregivers

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesupport and stabilityVSAvoidadaptability to various surfaces

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The transfer board is divided into multiple segments or panels that can be articulated relative to each other through hinges, allowing the board to conform to various surface configurations while maintaining support and stability throughout the transfer process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The transfer board incorporates dynamic elements such as articulating hinges and adjustable components that enable the board to adapt its shape and configuration in real-time to match the patient's position and the surface geometry, providing continuous support and stability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If multiple caregivers are used to facilitate patient transfer, then the transfer can be performed safely, but the complexity and cost of the transfer process increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesafety of transferVSAvoidnumber of caregivers required

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The transfer board is designed with self-aligning and self-supporting mechanisms that automatically position and support the patient during transfer, reducing the need for multiple caregivers to manually position and stabilize the patient

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The transfer board incorporates adjustable parameters such as height, angle, and configuration that can be modified to match the patient's needs and the surface geometry, allowing safe transfer with minimal caregivers through automated or semi-automated adjustment mechanisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If physical lifting is used to move patients, then the transfer can be completed quickly, but musculoskeletal injuries occur to caregivers

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransfer speedVSAvoidinjury to caregivers

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The transfer board incorporates mechanical lifting mechanisms such as pulleys, levers, or hydraulic systems that counterbalance the patient's weight, allowing caregivers to move patients quickly without bearing the full weight and resulting in musculoskeletal injuries

Inventive Principle:

Principle #8Anti-weight (Counterweight)

4Stability of the object's composition

If rigid transfer boards are used, then the structure provides stability, but the boards cannot conform to non-flat surfaces or various body positions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidconformability to surfaces

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The rigid transfer board is segmented into multiple articulating sections connected by hinges, allowing each segment to independently adjust its position while maintaining overall structural stability and the ability to conform to non-flat surfaces

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The transfer board uses composite materials or layered structures that combine rigidity for stability with flexibility for conformability, allowing the board to maintain structural integrity while adapting to various surface geometries and patient positions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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 apparatus enables safe and efficient patient transfer with minimal caregiver effort, reducing the risk of injury to both caregivers and patients, while being portable and adaptable for various healthcare settings, including emergency and diagnostic procedures.

Implementation Method 1

featuring a low-friction surface

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS8887327B2Folding apparatus for transferring a patient

Publication Date: 2014.11.18 ACE SAFETY GEAR

AI summary

The invention involves a folding patient transfer apparatus with a material top layer and a material bottom layer. A plurality of inserts has handhold openings that are formed in the inserts that are positioned between the material top layer and the material bottom layer utilizing a sewn plurality of insert seams. The seams form enclosed material chambers containing the inserts. The materials can be disposed of due to contamination; however the inserts can be sterilized reducing hospital waste and cost. The apparatus is configured to slide and/or lift and/or carry a patient from a non-planer surface to a second planer or non-planer surface.