Method and apparatus for restraint anchor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current anti-ligature devices in secure environments, such as hospitals and prisons, lack a mechanism to provide a secure restraint point that can be conveniently hidden and made inaccessible when not in use, posing a risk of ligature misuse.
Innovation Solution
An anti-ligature device with a tub and tub sealing element that can be inserted into a mounting hole, featuring a compressible element and locking mechanism, allowing the restraint element to be exposed or concealed by rotating the tub sealing element, ensuring secure restraint and safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a restraint mechanism is provided in secure environments, then secure restraint function is achieved, but ligature misuse risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The restraint mechanism transitions between two states: an accessible position where the restraint element can be engaged for secure restraint, and an inaccessible closed position where the restraint element is concealed within the tub enclosure. This dynamic transformation allows the same device to provide restraint functionality when needed while preventing ligature misuse when not in use
Solution Approach 2:
The restraint element is nested within the tub enclosure when not in use. The tub acts as a container that holds and conceals the restraint element, preventing access and potential misuse. When restraint is needed, the sealing element is rotated to expose the restraint element for engagement
2Ease of operation
If the restraint element is always accessible, then restraint function is available, but safety risk increases due to potential ligature misuse
Solution Approach 1:
The device dynamically switches between accessible and inaccessible states for the restraint element. The sealing element can be rotated to expose the restraint element for easy access when needed, or rotated to conceal it within the tub to prevent misuse when not needed
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the restraint element is concealed, then ligature misuse is prevented, but restraint accessibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing element rotates to transition the restraint element between concealed and accessible states. When the sealing element is in the closed position, the restraint element is concealed for safety. When rotated to the open position, the restraint element becomes accessible for restraint operations
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 provides a secure restraint mechanism that can be safely hidden when not in use, preventing ligature misuse while ensuring secure restraint when needed, enhancing safety in clinical and protective environments.
Implementation Method 1
a compressible element having a first end and a second end, the compressible element disposed within the inner cavity of the tub and coupled at the first end to the tub at the bottom portion of the tub
Data Source
AI summary
An anti-ligature restraint device is provided. The device includes a tub secured to a mounting location. A sealing element is inserted into the tub. The sealing element includes a restraint element slot to which a restraint is secured when the device is in an open position. The sealing element is disposed entirely with the tub in the closed position. A spring within the tub provides resistance to the sealing element as it is pushed into the tub and rotated to secure the sealing element within the tub. A lid lock secures the sealing element in the closed position. The device may be used in the concrete floor of a hospital room. In the open position, the device secures patient restraints. In the closed position, the device is flush with its mounting surface and locked, thereby preventing patient tampering or access to harmful elements thereof.