Mechanically Deployed Smart Sling for Patient Transfer Assistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional patient transfer devices require significant labor and time for sling insertion and removal, and their complex structures occupy space and are not user-friendly.
Innovation Solution
A smart sling with a growth mechanism using mechanical drive, comprising a first and second driving unit, a wire part, and a sling unit, which unfolds to position a patient efficiently and stably, minimizing contact with the patient's body and optimizing the transfer process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional sling structure is used for patient transfer, then patient safety and comfort are maintained, but significant labor and time are required for sling insertion and removal
Solution Approach 1:
The sling is designed with a nested structure where the sling body is stored within a housing unit. The sling can be automatically deployed from this nested state and retracted back into the housing, eliminating manual insertion and removal operations. This nesting mechanism allows the sling to be compact during storage yet fully functional during patient transfer.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a hoist structure is used to lift patients, then patient transfer is enabled, but the ceiling structure operates in a complicated manner and occupies significant space
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the driving mechanism from the ceiling structure and relocates it to a portable control unit. This eliminates the need for complex ceiling-mounted hoist structures while maintaining patient transfer capability. The sling can be operated independently without requiring infrastructure installation, significantly reducing structural complexity and space occupation.
3Reliability
If a conventional sling structure is used, then patient support is provided, but the structure requires significant labor for operation
Solution Approach 1:
The sling system incorporates self-service features through automatic deployment and retraction mechanisms. The control unit autonomously manages sling extension and retraction based on operational commands, minimizing the physical effort required by operators. The system performs functions that would otherwise require manual intervention, thereby reducing operational effort while maintaining reliable patient support.
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 smart sling reduces transfer time and effort by enabling stable, automated patient positioning without excessive force, enhancing convenience and usability.
Implementation Method 1
a smart sling for patient transfer assistance capable of assisting bedridden or wheelchair-bound patients stably and efficiently, by applying a growth mechanism through mechanical drive
Data Source
AI summary
A smart sling for patient transfer assistance includes a first driving unit, a second driving unit, a wire part and a sling unit. The first driving unit is configured to provide a rotational driving force. The second driving unit is spaced apart from the first driving unit by a predetermined distance. The wire part extends between the first driving unit and the second driving unit. The sling unit is configured to unfold toward the second driving unit from a folded state into the first driving unit along the wire part, to position a patient on the sling unit.