Inflatable Patient Transfer Device for Trendelenburg Stability

Solution Overview

Problem

Current operating room transfer systems struggle to provide a secure patient position in angled positions like Trendelenburg, steep Trendelenburg, and reverse Trendelenburg while facilitating easy movement of patients on and off surgical tables, causing discomfort and displacement of surgically positioned elements.

Innovation Solution

An inflatable transfer device with a top panel, bottom panel, stringers, and a high-friction surface that maintains patient position at angles, allowing for secure positioning and easy transfer using an air bearing mechanism.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If current operating room transfer systems are used to position patients in angled positions, then patient positioning capability is provided, but patient stability is compromised and movement is difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepatient stabilityVSAvoidease of movement

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The transfer device incorporates an inflatable chamber that can be dynamically adjusted between inflated and deflated states. When inflated, it provides a rigid, stable platform for patient positioning in angled positions. When deflated, it allows for easy compression and movement of the patient between surfaces, thus resolving the contradiction between stability during positioning and ease of movement during transfer.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The device utilizes changes in the physical state of the inflatable chamber (from deflated to inflated and vice versa) to alter its mechanical properties. This parameter change enables the device to transition between providing firm support for stable positioning and allowing easy movement, directly addressing the technical contradiction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If patients are moved on and off surgical tables using current systems, then transfer capability is provided, but patient comfort is compromised and surgical elements may be displaced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of transferVSAvoidpatient discomfort and displacement

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The transfer device's inflatable chamber can be deflated to create a compliant, flexible platform that conforms to the patient's body shape. This dynamic adjustment allows for easy transfer movements while maintaining patient comfort and preventing displacement of surgically positioned elements, as the device adapts to the patient's contours during movement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The inflatable chamber provides cushioning support during the transfer process. By inflating the chamber beforehand, it creates a padded interface between the patient and the rigid surgical table or transfer surface, thereby preventing direct contact that could cause discomfort or displacement of surgical elements during the transfer operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Stability of the object's composition

If a rigid structure is used to maintain patient position at angles, then positioning stability is improved, but ease of transfer between surfaces is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning stabilityVSAvoidtransfer complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The transfer device incorporates an inflatable chamber that can be dynamically adjusted between inflated and deflated states. When inflated, it provides a rigid, stable platform for patient positioning in angled positions. When deflated, it allows for easy compression and movement of the patient between surfaces, thus resolving the contradiction between stability during positioning and ease of movement during transfer.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The device utilizes changes in the physical state of the inflatable chamber (from deflated to inflated and vice versa) to alter its mechanical properties. This parameter change enables the device to transition between providing firm support for stable positioning and allowing easy movement, directly addressing the technical contradiction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 device ensures patient stability during angled surgical procedures and facilitates smooth transfer between surfaces without disturbing the patient, reducing discomfort and maintaining surgical integrity.

Implementation Method 1

The inflatable transfer device is transferred by providing an air flow to the inflatable chamber to generate an air bearing beneath the bottom panel of the inflatable transfer device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAir bearing: Air Lubrication

Implementation Method 2

The high-friction surface is configured to maintain a patient in a fixed position when the inflatable transfer device and the patient are positioned at an angle with respect to a horizontal support surface

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS12447072B2Trendelenburg patient positioning device

Publication Date: 2025.10.21 D T DAVIS ENTERPRISES LTD (D B A HOVERTECH INT)

AI summary

Embodiments of an inflatable transfer device including a top panel, a bottom panel coupled to the top panel to define an inflatable chamber therebetween, and a high-friction surface coupled to the top panel are disclosed. A top edge of each of the stringers is coupled to the top panel and a bottom edge of each of the stringers is coupled to the bottom panel. The high-friction surface is configured to maintain a patient in a fixed position when the inflatable transfer device and the patient are positioned at an angle with respect to a horizontal support surface.