Locking Clip for Patient Sling with Single-Action Auto-Lock

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing attachment clips for patient slings to spreader bars require double actions for locking and unlocking, leading to potential accidental disengagement during patient transfer, which can result in falls due to the lack of a secure locking mechanism and easily activatable release mechanisms.

Innovation Solution

An attachment device with a locking element that automatically secures the attachment element upon initial connection, allowing movement along an axis but preventing removal, and a release mechanism that requires two separate actions for unlocking and removal, ensuring secure attachment and rotation of the patient sling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a double-action locking mechanism is used in existing clips, then the clip can be attached to the spreader bar, but the clip may become unsecured if the second action is not performed, leading to potential patient falls

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecure attachment of clip to spreader barVSAvoidoperation complexity of locking mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The locking element automatically performs the locking action as the first action when the attachment element is inserted into the attachment site. The locking element is positioned to engage with the attachment element during insertion, so the locking occurs preliminarily without requiring a separate second action by the user.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If a release mechanism with large size and high user accessibility is used, then the release mechanism can be easily operated, but it can be easily activated by mistake during patient movement, resulting in accidental clip removal

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser accessibility of release mechanismVSAvoidprotection against accidental activation

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The release mechanism requires a specific dynamic action (rotating the release element to a predetermined position) to activate. This dynamic requirement provides a balance between ease of intentional operation and protection against accidental activation during patient movement, as accidental movements are less likely to produce the specific rotational motion needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If a locking element is added to prevent accidental disengagement, then attachment security is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprevention of accidental disengagementVSAvoidstructure complexity of attachment device

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking element is merged with the attachment element structure, where the locking element is positioned to engage with the attachment element during insertion. This integration allows the locking function to be achieved without adding separate complex locking mechanisms, maintaining relative simplicity while improving security.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS11007103B2Locking clip for patient sling

Publication Date: 2021.05.18 ARJOHUNTLEIGH MAGOG

AI summary

A locking clip for attaching a patient sling to a spreader bar includes a first attachment site for accepting an attachment element mounted on either the sling or the spreader bar, a second attachment site for attaching the device to the other of the sling or the spreader bar, and at least one locking element for locking the attachment element in place. The clip also includes a release mechanism to allow removal of an attachment element and is configured to allow rotation of the attachment element when it is locked in place so that the sling can be rotated relative to the spreader bar.