Memory Foam Pad for Lift Swing Sling Comfort

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Solution Overview

Problem

U-shaped lift swings cause discomfort and skin irritation due to direct contact and pressure on handicapped and senior individuals during transfers, as conventional materials like towels slip and fail to maintain comfort and prevent pressure.

Innovation Solution

A memory foam pad with a hook and loop fastener that detachably attaches to the slings, positioning under the legs and arms to prevent skin contact and provide comfort, while maintaining secure attachment and optimal blood circulation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If towels or soft cloths are placed underneath the legs and arms of the individual sitting in the U-shaped sling, then comfort to the thighs and skin is provided, but the cloth is uncomfortable, does not maintain its shape and may cause slipping of the individual from the slings

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveskin irritation and pressureVSAvoidslipping and loss of position

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention uses memory foam material that combines the softness and pressure-distributing properties of foam with the shape-retaining and friction characteristics needed to prevent slipping. This composite material solution simultaneously addresses skin comfort and positional stability, resolving the contradiction between providing comfort and preventing slipping.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The memory foam material changes its physical parameters (density, firmness, elasticity) to optimize both comfort and grip. The foam's ability to conform to body contours while maintaining structural integrity prevents slipping, thus resolving the contradiction between softness for comfort and firmness for stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If the sling directly contacts the skin of the patient during transfer, then secure positioning is achieved, but pain, discomfort, and severe irritation occur due to pulling on the skin

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecure positioningVSAvoidskin irritation and pain

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The memory foam pad acts as an intermediary layer between the sling and the patient's skin. It provides the necessary friction and grip for secure positioning while simultaneously cushioning and protecting the skin from direct contact with the sling, thus eliminating skin irritation and pain.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The memory foam pad is positioned in advance under the patient's legs and arms before the transfer process begins. This prior cushioning protects the skin from the harmful effects of direct sling contact throughout the entire transfer operation, preventing pain and irritation before they can occur.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If additional materials like towels are used to provide comfort, then skin protection is improved, but device complexity increases and effectiveness is reduced due to slipping

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveskin protectionVSAvoidnumber of materials and attachment steps

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges the protective function previously requiring separate materials (towels, cloths) into a single integrated memory foam pad that attaches directly to the sling. This consolidation maintains skin protection while reducing device complexity by eliminating the need for multiple separate materials and their associated attachment procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 memory foam pad significantly reduces skin irritation and pressure, ensuring comfort and secure positioning during transfers, eliminating the need for additional materials and enhancing blood circulation.

Implementation Method 1

The padded sling cover includes a memory foam pad having a length and a width defining a perimeter for the cover

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMemory foam: Memory Foam

Implementation Method 2

a hook and a loop fastener overlying the bottom surface, wherein the fastener is configured to detachably attach to a sling of the lift swing

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHook and loop fastener: Mechanical Fastener

Data Source

PatentUS12178771B2Memory foam pads for lift swings and slings

Publication Date: 2024.12.31 CHILD DEBORAH

AI summary

The present invention relates to a novel lift swing pad made of memory foam material. The pad is cuboidal and is configured to be separately positioned on slings of a lift sling or lift swing such that the legs and/or arms (i.e., appendages) of a user sitting in the swing places legs on the pads to prevent the slings from folding under the user and to prevent the slings from pulling on the skin of the user. The pad has a hook and loop fastener for attaching to the slings and in one embodiment, has a heating layer for providing a soothing effect to the user. In some embodiments, the pad is made of waterproof neoprene. The pad helps maintain optimal blood circulation within the extremities while a person is being supported by the sling.