Infusion Pole Base Layout for Stable Patient Mobility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional intravenous (IV) poles are unstable, difficult to maneuver, and inefficient for providing mobility assistance, often tipping or catching on surfaces, which poses safety risks and storage challenges in clinical settings.
Innovation Solution
A redesigned infusion management system (IMS) with a large, open-ended base footprint and angled trunk configuration that enhances stability and maneuverability, allowing for easy deployment and compact storage, while providing support for heavy medical components and facilitating patient mobility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional IV pole with vertical pole and wheeled base is used, then the system provides basic intravenous fluid support, but the system is inherently unstable and prone to tipping when heavy medical components are attached
Solution Approach 1:
The base is divided into two separate base arms that can be independently positioned and locked, allowing each arm to provide individual support. This segmentation creates a wider, more stable base footprint while maintaining structural simplicity through modular construction.
Solution Approach 2:
The base arms are extended laterally outward from the central pole, transitioning from a narrow vertical support to a wide horizontal footprint. This dimensional change in the base configuration significantly improves stability by distributing weight over a larger area and increasing the moment of inertia against tipping.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the IV pole height is adjusted to fit specific patients, then the pole can accommodate different patient heights, but two-handed manipulation is required and the pole does not reliably lock at certain heights
Solution Approach 1:
The height adjustment mechanism is designed to be self-latching, where the adjustable section automatically locks into position when extended or retracted. This eliminates the need for manual locking operations and allows single-handed adjustment while ensuring reliable positioning at any height.
Solution Approach 2:
The height adjustment system uses a dynamic telescoping mechanism with spring-loaded latches that engage automatically at predetermined intervals. This allows smooth, continuous adjustment while maintaining stable locked positions, combining ease of operation with reliable height fixation.
3Ease of operation
If the IV pole wheels are used for mobility, then the pole can be moved to different locations, but the wheels stop rolling or catch on surface disturbances, increasing tipping risk
Solution Approach 1:
The wide, low-center-of-gravity base configuration acts as a counterweight system that resists tipping forces. The extended base arms create a stable triangular footprint that compensates for wheel catches or surface irregularities, preventing the pole from tipping during mobility operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The base structure is designed with inherent stability margins and friction-enhancing features that cushion against sudden wheel stops or catches. The wide base footprint and strategic wheel placement create a stability buffer that prevents tipping even when wheels encounter surface disturbances.
4Reliability
If multiple IV poles are stored in a storeroom or at the end of a hall, then all poles are available for use, but they occupy valuable space and create difficult access when needed
Solution Approach 1:
The base arms are designed to nest together when not in use, with one base arm storing within the confines of the other. This nesting capability allows multiple poles to be compactly arranged in storage areas, dramatically reducing the space required while maintaining full availability of all poles.
Solution Approach 2:
The storage configuration utilizes vertical space by allowing poles to be stored upright with nested base arms, transitioning from horizontal floor-space occupation to vertical footprint minimization. This dimensional reorganization enables compact storage while preserving quick access capability.
Data Source
AI summary
An integrated infusion management system provides for stable support of components attached to the system, even when the system is mobile. The system is optionally a mobility assist or walker for a patient who is attached to any number of medical components. A central trunk connects to a two-sided base that does not interfere with patient motion. The trunk may be angled with respect to vertical and oriented to support medical components in a configuration that is tip-resistant. The system is optionally deployable to facilitate conversion between a compact storage configuration and a stable deployed configuration. In an embodiment, additional deployable features include holding arms for holding various medical components, wheels, mobility arms and handles. Also provided is a novel wheel system with deployable wheels and methods associated with providing compact storage of any one or more of the systems presented herein.