Interdigitated Plank Bed Surface for Patient Transfer and Airflow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current patient transfer systems are uncomfortable and painful, often requiring multiple medical personnel and causing back injuries, and fail to provide adequate airflow to prevent bed sores or facilitate easy linen changes for immobile patients.
Innovation Solution
A system of two inter-digitally positioned 2D or 3D plank support surfaces that can be lowered or rotated to transfer patients without moving them, allowing for efficient transfer and transport while maintaining airflow and enabling easy linen changes, potentially powered by manual, pneumatic, hydraulic, or electrical means.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual lifting methods are used to transfer patients, then transfer can be accomplished, but it causes back injuries to medical personnel and is physically demanding
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary transfer system consisting of a movable support surface with rollers that acts as a mediator between the patient's current bed and the destination. This intermediary device distributes the patient's weight across multiple rollers, eliminating the need for personnel to manually lift the patient, thereby preventing back injuries while facilitating smooth transfer.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical lifting system with a roller-based mechanical system. The movable support surface incorporates rollers that reduce friction and enable the patient to be rolled or conveyed across the transfer path without manual lifting, substituting human physical effort with a mechanical rolling mechanism.
2Ease of operation
If hoist-type lifts are used to transfer patients, then transfer can be facilitated, but it changes the patient's body position and creates pressure points causing discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent maintains homogeneity in the support surface throughout the transfer process. The movable support surface replicates the bed's surface characteristics, providing uniform support across the patient's body. This homogeneous support prevents pressure points and maintains the patient's comfort by avoiding abrupt changes in support distribution that occur with slings or hoists.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of lifting the patient vertically with hoists that create pressure points, the patent inverts the approach by using a horizontal rolling mechanism. The patient remains in a supine position throughout the transfer, and the movement is achieved by rolling the support surface horizontally rather than lifting vertically, thereby eliminating pressure points and discomfort.
3Ease of operation
If roller boards are used to transport patients, then transfer can be achieved, but they cannot securely keep the patient in place
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the advantages of the movable support surface with the roller mechanism. The support surface is designed to be both movable (for ease of transport) and secure (for patient stability). By integrating the support surface structure with the roller system, the patent achieves both ease of operation and reliable patient positioning simultaneously.
4Device complexity
If conventional bed designs are used, then structural simplicity is maintained, but airflow under the patient is insufficient to prevent bed sores
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the bed surface into multiple sections or zones that can independently adjust or lift. This segmentation creates gaps or channels between the segments, allowing airflow to pass through the bed surface and reach the patient's skin. The segmented design prevents bed sores by improving air circulation while maintaining relatively simple structural elements.
5Object-affected harmful factors
If the patient remains stationary on the bed, then comfort is maintained, but linen changes require moving the patient causing discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the linen or sheet from the fixed bed structure and makes it independent and removable. The sheet can be taken out, changed, or adjusted without moving the patient. This extraction allows the linen to be separately managed, enabling easy changes while the patient remains stationary and comfortable on the bed.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a method for transferring a patient from a first bed to a second bed, wherein said patient is disposed upon said first bed and said first bed and second bed comprise a surface for resting said patient comprising a plurality of predetermined sections. The method further discloses removing at least one of said plurality of predetermined sections of said surface of said first bed and replacing it with at least one of said plurality of predetermined sections of said surface of said second bed and removing at least one of said plurality of predetermined sections of said surface of said second bed and replacing it with at least one of said plurality of predetermined sections of said surface of said first bed; combining said surface of said first bed with said surface of said second bed; and transferring said patient from said first bed to second bed.