Mobile Lever Apparatus for Safe Patient Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Elderly and disabled individuals face high risks of falling when standing or transferring due to lack of support and instability from conventional walkers, leading to reliance on wheelchairs and hazardous caregiver-assisted lifts.
Innovation Solution
A mobile mechanical lift apparatus with a frame, wheels, lever mechanism, and adjustable components, including caregiver leverage handles, patient lifts, and underarm stabilizers, providing support and balance for safe standing and walking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional walkers are used, then mobility is provided, but stability and safety are insufficient leading to high fall risk
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a mechanical lever system with fulcrum as an intermediary between the user and the ground. The lever mechanism, comprising a first lever arm with first fulcrum and a second lever arm with second fulcrum, acts as a mediator that amplifies the user's pushing force against the ground to generate sufficient lifting force, thereby providing both mobility assistance and safety without requiring direct strong force application by the user
2Force
If hydraulic or electric chairs are used to assist standing, then lifting capability is provided, but the devices are stationary and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex hydraulic or electric lifting systems with a simple mechanical lever system based on fulcrum mechanics. The lever mechanism uses purely mechanical advantage through the arrangement of lever arms and fulcrums to achieve lifting capability, eliminating the need for complex power systems while maintaining mobility and reducing cost
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs adjustable lever arm lengths and movable fulcrum positions that can be dynamically configured based on user needs. The lever system transitions from a static structure to a dynamic one where the mechanical advantage can be adjusted by changing the position of fulcrums or the length of lever arms, providing adaptable lifting capability without complex machinery
3Force
If wall-mounted hand rails or ceiling-mounted ropes are used, then support is provided, but the solutions are stationary and can be very expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal support device that can function in multiple modes: as a walking aid with lever-based lifting, as a transfer assistance device, and as a mobility cart. The lever mechanism and frame structure serve multiple purposes, providing both vertical lifting support and horizontal mobility, replacing the need for separate stationary hand rails or ropes while maintaining adaptability to different user needs
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 safe and stable transitions from seated or lying positions to standing, allowing users to walk with complete support and reduced risk of falls, while also providing adjustable stability and mobility assistance.
Implementation Method 1
The lever is comprised of caregiver leverage handles, patient lifts, and a fulcrum
Implementation Method 2
A method of using an elderly assistance apparatus, the method comprises using a mobile lever to lift a patient by placing patient lifts under the arms of a patient; a caregiver actuating the lever by applying a downward force on the leverage handles
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, an elderly assistance apparatus comprises a frame, wheels, and a lever mechanism. The lever is comprised of caregiver leverage handles, patient lifts, and a fulcrum. In another embodiment the elderly assistance apparatus may comprise patient stabilizers. In one embodiment, the stabilizers are mounted crutches.