Infant Evacuation Chair With Stair Tracks for Single-Operator Descent
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current infant evacuation devices are inadequate for safe and rapid evacuation of multiple infants from multi-story buildings during emergencies, as they can cause injury and require multiple staff members, limiting the number of infants that can be safely evacuated and posing challenges in managing them at safe areas.
Innovation Solution
A new infant evacuation device with a flexible fire-retardant patient support membrane, tubular main frame, and collapsible rail assembly, featuring adjustable pockets, reverse braking, and caster wheels, designed for single-operator use, allowing secure transport and easy maneuverability down stairs, with features for monitoring and securing infants throughout the evacuation process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If multiple infants are evacuated using existing devices, then the number of infants evacuated increases, but the safety and stability of each infant deteriorates due to inadequate support and lack of securement
Solution Approach 1:
The device divides the evacuation system into multiple independent pockets (each capable of holding one infant) arranged along the membrane. Each pocket provides individual containment and support, ensuring that infants are separated and secured independently during transport, thus maintaining safety while increasing the number of infants that can be evacuated simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The pockets are pre-configured with securing mechanisms (straps and supports) that are ready before evacuation begins. This preliminary preparation ensures that when infants are placed in the pockets during emergency evacuation, they are immediately secured in a safe position, eliminating the need for complex securing actions during the actual evacuation process.
2Speed
If the nurse moves quickly to evacuate infants, then the speed of evacuation increases, but the stability of infants deteriorates due to kicking, bouncing, and rocking
Solution Approach 1:
Each pocket is equipped with cushioning materials and positioning supports that are prepared in advance. These elements absorb shocks and movements during rapid nurse movement, preventing infants from being kicked, bounced, or rocked excessively. The cushioning is built into the pocket structure before evacuation begins, ensuring infant stability even during high-speed transport.
Solution Approach 2:
The device provides localized support and stabilization features within each individual pocket, rather than relying on overall system stability. Each pocket has its own cushioning, positioning, and securing mechanisms that work independently to maintain infant stability, allowing the nurse to move quickly without compromising individual infant protection.
3Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If the nurse carries infants in front pockets only, then the line of sight to infants is improved, but the capacity to evacuate multiple infants deteriorates due to inability to monitor rear infants
Solution Approach 1:
The device transitions from a single-location (front pockets only) to a distributed arrangement of pockets along the length of the membrane. This spatial distribution across multiple dimensions allows the nurse to carry more infants while maintaining monitoring capability, as the transparent membrane and pocket design enable visibility of infants at different positions along the device.
Solution Approach 2:
The transparent membrane serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for the pockets, acts as a barrier protecting infants, and simultaneously functions as a transparent window allowing the nurse to monitor all infants throughout the device. This multi-functionality enables both increased capacity and continuous monitoring without requiring the nurse to look in multiple directions.
4Reliability
If existing devices require a second nurse to place infants in rear pockets, then the securement of infants is improved, but the complexity of operation deteriorates by requiring multiple staff members
Solution Approach 1:
The pockets are designed with self-securing features including automatic positioning mechanisms and easy-to-engage straps that allow a single nurse to secure infants independently. The design eliminates the need for a second nurse by incorporating user-friendly securing systems that can be operated quickly and reliably by one person during emergency evacuation.
Solution Approach 2:
The securing mechanisms are pre-configured in each pocket with straps, buckles, and positioning elements ready before evacuation begins. This preliminary preparation allows the nurse to quickly secure infants as they are placed in the pockets, without requiring assistance from another nurse. The pre-positioned securing elements reduce the operational steps needed during the critical evacuation process.
5Productivity
If infants are placed on cold wet concrete at safe area, then the evacuation process is completed, but the safety of infants deteriorates due to exposure to harsh conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The transparent membrane forming the patient support surface acts as a protective barrier that can be lifted or adjusted. When reaching the safe area, the membrane can be positioned to create a protective covering over the infants, shielding them from cold and wet concrete while still allowing the evacuation process to be completed efficiently. This flexible barrier provides thermal and moisture protection without complicating the evacuation procedure.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides an evacuation device for one operator, with a plurality of babies secured in pockets, having their heads secured in adjustable cushioned head rests which are attached to a patient support membrane, to descend a stairwell safely and quickly during an emergency. The invention is constructed of a tubular frame, covered with a fire-retardant, water impermeable and mold and fungus resistant material. The invention incorporates a set of casters for transport across a horizontal plane, such as crowded hallways and small hospital stairwell landings. The dual track system permits the operator to glide down the stairs in a safe, smooth and controlled fashion. The dual braking device on the track system assists the operator in a stairwell descent and permits the operator to release the chair and remove any debris that may be in the path of evacuation.