Inflatable Mattress Strap Concealment Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing patient transport devices are cumbersome and difficult to use, particularly for elderly or obese patients, as they often require complex connectors and straps that can cause injury and are unsightly, making lateral and vertical movement challenging and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A patient transport device featuring an inflatable torso support with integrated straps and a strap concealment device that can be folded to conceal the straps when not in use, allowing for easy lateral movement and convenient attachment to lift equipment, while minimizing the risk of entanglement and providing a comfortable surface for patients.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If complex connectors and straps are used to facilitate vertical movement, then lifting capability is improved, but device complexity increases and lateral movement becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes complex connectors and straps from the patient transport device, retaining only essential lifting straps. This extraction eliminates the 'rat's nest' problem while preserving vertical lifting capability through simplified strap attachment points on the inflatable mattress.
Solution Approach 2:
The device separates functions by using the inflatable mattress primarily for lateral support and simplified straps for vertical lifting. This segmentation allows each component to excel at its specific function without the complexity of integrated connector systems.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple connectors and straps are exposed, then lifting functionality is maintained, but patient safety deteriorates due to entanglement risk
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes unnecessary connectors and straps that create entanglement hazards, keeping only the essential lifting straps. This reduction eliminates the harmful entanglement effect while preserving the necessary lifting functionality through strategically placed attachment points.
3Adaptability or versatility
If complex connector schemes are used, then vertical movement is facilitated, but ease of operation deteriorates due to time-consuming setup
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates complex connector schemes and retains only simple lifting straps with minimal attachment points. This extraction dramatically reduces setup time and operational complexity while maintaining vertical lifting capability through the inflatable mattress's inherent support structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The inflatable mattress is pre-configured with attachment points for lifting straps, eliminating the need for complex assembly during patient transfer. The mattress structure itself is prepared in advance to facilitate quick strap attachment.
4Ease of operation
If flat mattress design is used, then lateral movement is eased, but lifting capability deteriorates as patient slides off
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the flat mattress design for lateral movement with integrated lifting straps and an inflatable structure. This combination allows the mattress to provide smooth lateral gliding surfaces while simultaneously offering secure attachment points for vertical lifting, eliminating the need to choose between the two functions.
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
The device simplifies patient movement by reducing friction and minimizing the risk of injury from entanglement, offering a more efficient and aesthetically pleasing solution for both lateral and vertical transport, enhancing user safety and comfort.
Implementation Method 1
an inflatable torso support configured to reduce friction between the patient and the patient transport device so that the patient can be easily moved laterally from, for example, a bed to a gurney
Data Source
AI summary
A patient transport device includes an inflatable torso support and one or more straps coupled to sides of the inflatable torso support. Each strap can be configured at least as a single loop. A strap concealment device can be coupled to the inflatable torso support to span a major face of the inflatable torso support. The strap concealment device can include a central panel spanning the major face and one or more side panels extending from a perimeter of the central panel. The one or more side panels can terminate at an edge distally disposed from the central panel at a bunch-gathering binding. The one or more side panels can be selectively foldable between a first position concealing the inflatable torso support and some or all of the one or more straps and a second position exposing the inflatable torso support and the one or more straps.