Inflatable Patient Repositioning Sheet with Integrated Wedges
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Solution Overview
Problem
The labor-intensive process of log rolling patients and using foam wedges for pressure ulcer prevention complicates patient care, especially for heavier patients, and requires additional manual labor for transferring patients between surfaces.
Innovation Solution
An inflatable patient repositioning sheet with integrated inflatable wedges that can be independently inflated to elevate patient sides, reducing pressure on the skin and simplifying the repositioning process, while an inflatable sheet with air inlets and handles facilitates easier transfer between surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If foam wedges are used to lift patient sides for pressure ulcer prevention, then pressure on patient skin is reduced, but the process becomes labor intensive requiring repeated log rolling and wedge placement/removal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple foam wedges into a single integrated repositioning device that includes a main body portion and multiple wedge portions positioned at different locations. This merging eliminates the need to separately handle and position individual wedges, reducing labor intensity while maintaining pressure relief functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is pre-configured with wedge portions positioned to automatically align with specific patient body regions (hip, shoulder, etc.) when placed under the patient. This preliminary positioning eliminates the need for repeated log rolling and manual wedge placement, as the device self-aligns to provide pressure relief at multiple points simultaneously.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional foam wedges are used for patient repositioning, then pressure ulcer prevention is achieved, but additional manual labor is required for transferring patients between surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The repositioning device serves multiple functions: it provides pressure relief through its wedge portions, facilitates patient repositioning through its contoured main body, and aids in patient transfer between surfaces. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate devices for each task, improving overall productivity in patient care.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is segmented into a main body portion and multiple wedge portions that can independently contact different patient regions. This segmentation allows the device to simultaneously provide pressure relief at multiple anatomical points while maintaining structural integrity for easy handling during transfers.
3Reliability
If multiple separate devices are used for pressure relief and patient transfer, then specific functions are performed effectively, but device complexity and handling difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple pressure relief wedges and a positioning body into a single unified device structure. This merging maintains the reliability of pressure relief functionality while reducing device complexity by eliminating the need to manage multiple separate components.
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 inflatable patient repositioning system reduces manual labor required for patient repositioning and transfer, making it easier to manage heavier patients and minimize pressure ulcers, while maintaining a stable and comfortable environment for the patient.
Implementation Method 1
The air creates an air bearing between the inflatable patient transfer sheet and further reduces resistance to movement of the patient
Implementation Method 2
The wedges 14, 16 may be inflated one at a time to elevate a respective portion of the patient and relieve pressure on the skin of the patient
Data Source
AI summary
In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a patient repositioning sheet including an inflatable sheet having a lower layer and an upper layer that are urged apart with inflation of the inflatable sheet. The patient repositioning sheet further includes at least one inflatable support, such as an inflatable wedge. The inflatable wedge has a wedge surface that extends obliquely to the upper layer of the inflatable sheet with the inflatable wedge inflated.