IV Pole Coupler on Patient Support Handle for Single-Caregiver Transport

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Solution Overview

Problem

Transporting patients with intravenous medication administration is challenging due to the need for multiple caregivers to maneuver both the stretcher and a floor-supported IV pole, requiring a solution to simplify the handling of both during movement.

Innovation Solution

A patient support apparatus with an integrated IV pole coupler that allows a caregiver to grip both the push handle and IV pole simultaneously, using a hook or flange mechanism that retains the IV pole, enabling single-handed operation and secure transport.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a floor supported IV pole is used separately from the stretcher, then the IV pole can be independently positioned, but multiple caregivers are required to maneuver both the stretcher and IV pole simultaneously

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of maneuveringVSAvoidnumber of caregivers

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the IV pole and stretcher into a single integrated unit by providing an IV pole coupler that attaches the IV pole to the stretcher frame. This merging allows both devices to be maneuvered together as one unit, eliminating the need for separate handling and reducing the number of caregivers required from multiple to just one.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Ease of operation

If the IV pole is attached to the stretcher frame, then single-handed operation is enabled, but the IV pole coupler adds structural complexity to the device

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesingle-handed operationVSAvoidstructural complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The IV pole coupler is designed as a separate, modular component that attaches to the stretcher frame rather than being integrated into the main frame structure. This segmentation allows the coupler to be added as a discrete element, minimizing the impact on overall structural complexity while enabling the desired single-handed operation functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of operation

If the push handle is extended laterally outwardly, then the IV pole coupler can be positioned for simultaneous gripping, but the handle post length increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimultaneous gripping capabilityVSAvoidhandle post length

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of extending the handle post in a single lateral direction, the IV pole coupler is positioned by utilizing the vertical dimension and angling the extension at approximately 45 degrees. This dimensional approach allows the coupler to reach the optimal gripping position without requiring excessive linear extension of the handle post, thus balancing ergonomics with compact dimensions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentEP1810651B1Patient support with mobile IV stand transport handle

Publication Date: 2010.09.15 HILL ROM SERVICES INC

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AI summary

A patient support apparatus (20) includes a frame (22, 26), a plurality of casters (24) coupled to the frame (22) and supporting the frame (22) above a floor (50), a push handle (68) coupled to the frame (26), and an IV pole coupler (100) coupled to the push handle (68).