Laterally Rotating Patient Support Apparatus for Caregiver Injury Prevention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Caregivers face strain and increased risk of back injuries when manually transferring patients due to the need to exert significant force, as existing laterally rotating patient support apparatuses do not adequately facilitate smooth patient transfer without manual lifting or pulling.

Innovation Solution

A patient support apparatus with a pivot mechanism that laterally rotates the upper frame about a rotational axis, utilizing a synchronization system to synchronize the rotation of the support with the lower frame, and a drive mechanism, such as a motor and gearbox, to assist in transferring patients without manual effort.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If caregivers manually transfer patients by pulling or lifting, then patient transfer can be performed, but caregiver strain and risk of back injuries increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of patient transferVSAvoidcaregiver strain and injury risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical transfer efforts with an automated lateral rotation mechanism. The upper frame is rotated laterally about a vertical axis using a motor-driven system, causing the patient to slide smoothly from the first support apparatus to the second without requiring caregivers to pull or lift.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patient support apparatus performs the transfer function autonomously through its lateral rotation capability. The system uses gravity and controlled motion to enable the patient to move between supports without external manual intervention, making the apparatus self-sufficient for the transfer task.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of operation

If the upper frame is laterally rotated to enable patient sliding, then manual lifting is reduced, but the mechanism complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereduction of manual liftingVSAvoidrotation mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The lateral rotation function is integrated with the existing support apparatus structure. The upper frame, lower frame, and support elements are combined into a unified rotating assembly where the lateral rotation of the upper frame automatically positions the patient for transfer, merging multiple functions into a single coordinated motion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The lateral rotation mechanism serves multiple functions: it enables patient transfer, adjusts the inclination angle of the support surface, and positions the patient for optimal movement. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate mechanisms for each task.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS8458833B2Laterally rotating patient support apparatus

Publication Date: 2013.06.11 HILL ROM SERVICES INC

AI summary

A patient support apparatus comprises a lower frame, a lift mechanism, a drive mechanism, and an upper frame. The lower frame includes a lift drive configured to at least one of expand and contract the lift mechanism. The lift mechanism is pivotably coupled with the lower frame to rotate about a rotational axis. A drive mechanism is coupled between the lift mechanism and the lower frame. The drive mechanism is configured to rotate the lift mechanism about the rotational axis. The upper frame is supported on the lift mechanism and responsive to the rotation of the lift mechanism to rotate a patient about the rotational axis.