Patient Maneuvering Apparatus with Absorbent Border
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for maneuvering bed-ridden patients are inefficient for single caregivers, lack flexible rigidity, and fail to manage incontinence and bed sore prevention effectively.
Innovation Solution
A patient maneuvering apparatus with a planar body, absorbent fabric layer, and a border providing handles and structural support, allowing single-user operation, fluid communication, and reduced risk of bed sores through mesh and fabric layers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a unitary fabric device with multiple apertures is used, then two users can grasp handles to move the patient, but the device requires two users which is neither cost-effective nor possible for single caregivers
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into distinct functional layers (mesh layer for structural support, fabric layer for absorbency, border for rigidity) that work together to enable single-user operation while maintaining patient transfer capability
Solution Approach 2:
The device combines multiple functions into a single apparatus: the mesh layer provides structural support, the fabric layer absorbs fluids, the border provides rigidity and defines handles, enabling one device to replace what previously required two users
2Strength
If a unitary fabric device is used, then it can move the patient, but it does not provide the flexible rigidity needed to comfortably and effectively move the patient
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the device have different properties: the mesh layer provides flexibility and conformability to patient body contours, while the border provides localized rigidity for structural support and handle definition, creating optimal balance between comfort and strength
Solution Approach 2:
The device uses composite construction with mesh material for flexibility, fabric material for absorbency, and border material for rigidity, combining materials with complementary properties to achieve both patient comfort and effective maneuvering
3Adaptability or versatility
If existing devices are placed under the patient, then they can be used for transfer, but they fail to provide means for capturing and transferring urine and other matter
Solution Approach 1:
The device simultaneously provides patient transfer functionality and incontinence management by integrating the absorbent fabric layer that can capture and contain urine and other matter, eliminating the need for separate incontinence products
Solution Approach 2:
The absorbent fabric layer acts as an intermediary between the patient and the environment, capturing and containing urine and other matter to prevent bed sores while allowing the transfer function to proceed
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables single-user mobility and effective management of incontinence, reducing the risk of bed sores and providing flexible, rigid support for comfortable patient transfer.
Implementation Method 1
a mesh layer including a mesh layer thickness at least partially defining the bottom surface, a fabric layer of an absorbent material at least partially defining the top surface
Data Source
AI summary
A patient maneuvering apparatus including a substantially planar body having a top surface, a bottom surface opposing the top surface, a left end, and a right end. The patient maneuvering apparatus also includes a first handle disposed at the left end of the body and a second handle disposed at the right end of the body, a mesh layer with a mesh layer thickness at least partially defining the bottom surface, a fabric layer of an absorbent material at least partially defining the top surface and with a fabric layer thickness, and a border spanning the perimeter of the body, surrounding the mesh and fabric layers, and with a border thickness greater than the mesh layer thickness and the fabric layer thickness.