Inflatable Support Straps for Safe Patient Rotation and Pressure Relief
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Solution Overview
Problem
Subjects supported on a surface for extended periods are prone to pressure ulcers and require periodic position changes, which existing methods like bed sheets or slings are inefficient, risky, or uncomfortable, especially for unconscious or physically challenged individuals.
Innovation Solution
Inflatable support straps with integrated bladders that can be inflated or deflated to adjust the subject's position, providing clearance and reducing contact surface area, and optionally using an overhead lift for mechanical assistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If medical personnel use manual techniques (bed sheets, pushing and pulling) to rotate a subject, then the subject can be repositioned, but it requires a large number of medical personnel and may result in injury to the subject or medical personnel
Solution Approach 1:
The inflatable support strap acts as an intermediary device between the medical personnel and the subject. The strap is positioned under the subject and inflated to create a supportive platform that enables rotation without direct manual contact, thereby reducing the risk of injury to both the subject and personnel while requiring fewer workers
2Ease of operation
If slings are used to rotate subjects, then the subject can be repositioned with less manual effort, but the slings may be reused and result in skin injuries if left in place
Solution Approach 1:
The inflatable support strap is designed as a single-use disposable device. After providing the necessary support during rotation, the strap is discarded rather than reused, eliminating the risk of skin injuries from repeated contact with non-sterile materials while maintaining ease of operation
3Ease of operation
If slings are used for rotation, then some manual effort is reduced, but the slings provide no further benefit after rotation and require additional positioning adjustments
Solution Approach 1:
The inflatable support strap serves multiple functions: it provides support during rotation, maintains positioning during the procedure, and can be adjusted to provide clearance between the subject and support surface. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for additional positioning devices or adjustments, reducing overall device complexity
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 comfortable rotation of subjects between prone and supine positions without manual effort, reducing the risk of injury and discomfort, and alleviating pressure points.
Implementation Method 1
one or more bladders disposed within the cavity, the one or more bladders configured to be selectively inflated or deflated
Data Source
AI summary
An inflatable support strap for positioning and rotating a horizontally laying subject on a support surface, the inflatable support strap includes an elongate body comprising a first end and a second end spaced a distance apart from the first end, the first end and the second end each comprising at least one loop extending therefrom, and the elongate body defining a cavity. The inflatable support strap also includes one or more bladders disposed within the cavity, the one or more bladders configured to be selectively inflated or deflated.