Inflatable Patient Sling With Distributed Straps for Even Lifting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing patient lift devices and transfer mattresses lack the ability to efficiently support and move patients from a non-planar to a patient supporting position, often causing strain and discomfort due to uneven weight distribution and potential fabric rupture during lifting and sliding transfers.
Innovation Solution
A patient transfer device featuring an inflatable torso support pad with strategically positioned strap anchors on legs, providing equal weight distribution and airflow communication through perforations, allowing for safe and comfortable lifting and sliding of patients using a combination of straps and air pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a patient is lifted using traditional straps or chains, then the patient can be raised and moved, but the weight distribution becomes uneven causing fabric rupture and patient discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The sling is divided into multiple segments including a torso support pad, leg portions with straps, and distributed strap anchors. This segmentation allows weight to be distributed across multiple attachment points rather than concentrated at single points, preventing fabric rupture while maintaining patient comfort during lifting operations.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the sling have different structural properties optimized for their specific functions. The torso support pad provides concentrated support where needed, while the leg portions with distributed strap anchors provide extended support. This local quality differentiation ensures even weight distribution across the entire patient body, preventing both fabric rupture and discomfort.
2Adaptability or versatility
If an inflatable mattress is used for patient transfer, then sliding transfer is enabled, but the mattress cannot provide suspended support for lifting
Solution Approach 1:
The device combines both lifting and sliding transfer functionalities into a single integrated system. The inflatable mattress structure provides the sliding surface, while integrated straps and strap anchors provide lifting capability. This multi-functionality allows the same device to adapt to different transfer scenarios without requiring separate equipment, achieving versatility without excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The lifting straps and inflatable mattress structure are merged into a single integrated device. The straps are attached to the mattress structure with distributed strap anchors, creating a unified system that can perform both lifting and sliding functions. This merging eliminates the need for separate lifting equipment and mattress, simplifying the overall transfer process.
3Device complexity
If straps are attached at single points on the sling, then the structure is simple, but weight distribution becomes uneven during lifting
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a single strap anchor point, the system segments the attachment into multiple strap anchors distributed across different portions of the sling including the torso support pad and leg portions. This segmentation of the anchoring system ensures that weight is distributed evenly across multiple points, preventing fabric rupture and maintaining reliability while keeping the overall structure relatively simple.
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 ensures even weight distribution across the patient transfer device, reducing the risk of fabric rupture and patient discomfort, enabling safe and efficient lifting and sliding of patients between surfaces.
Implementation Method 1
an inflatable mattress that allows for both sliding transfers of a patient and lifting of the patient
Implementation Method 2
When the mattress is charged with pressurized air, the escape of air under pressure through the pinholes acts initially to jack a load placed upon the mattress above the perforated flexible sheet, and thereby creates an air bearing of relatively small height between the underlying fixed, generally planar support surface and the perforated flexible sheet
Data Source
AI summary
An inflatable mattress-sling having an inflatable torso support pad, a first leg extending out from a first portion of the inflatable torso support pad, and a second leg spaced from the first leg and extending out from a second portion of the inflatable torso support pad. The legs include straps attached to their inner and outer seams so as to facilitate lifting of a patient.