Modular Chair System with Latch Mechanisms for Single-Transfer Patient Transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current devices for moving bedridden subjects to chairs or wheelchairs are cumbersome, require significant effort and time, often need multiple operators, and necessitate multiple transfers, making them difficult to set up, move, and store.
Innovation Solution
A modular chair system comprising a seat component with recesses and attachment bars, a chair component with latch mechanisms, and a wheelchair component, allowing for single-transfer movement between beds and seating areas, facilitated by a lift component and cables for suspension and transportation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional devices are used to move bedridden subjects to chairs or wheelchairs, then the subject can be transferred, but it requires significant time and effort, often needing two or more people
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the transfer process into separate functional modules: a seat component with attachment bars, latch mechanisms on the chair/wheelchair, and a lift component. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, enabling automated lifting and single-transfer operation without requiring multiple people
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment bars and latch mechanisms serve as intermediary elements that connect the seat component to the chair or wheelchair. These intermediaries enable the transfer to be performed through a single attachment action rather than requiring manual carrying or multiple transfer steps
2Ease of operation
If traditional moving devices are used, then the subject can be transported, but the devices are difficult to move, set up, and store
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the system into separate components (seat component, chair component, wheelchair component, lift component), each part can be independently moved, set up, and stored. The modular design reduces the complexity of handling the entire system compared to traditional integrated devices
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates dynamic attachment and detachment capabilities through latch mechanisms that can be easily engaged and disengaged. This dynamic design allows the components to be quickly assembled and disassembled for storage or reconfiguration, reducing setup complexity
3Productivity
If traditional transfer methods are used, then the subject can be moved to a chair or wheelchair, but the subject must be transferred more than once
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges the lifting function and the transfer function into a single integrated operation. The lift component raises the seat component (with the subject still seated) directly to the chair or wheelchair level, allowing the subject to remain seated throughout the process and eliminating the need for multiple transfers
Data Source
AI summary
Modular chair systems and methods of transporting a subject using a modular chair system are described. A modular chair system includes a seat component, a chair component, and a wheelchair component. The seat component includes a seat having a planar lower surface with one or more recesses and one or more attachment bars disposed in each of the recesses. The chair component includes one or more chair latch mechanisms and the wheelchair component includes one or more wheelchair latch mechanisms. Each attachment bar corresponds to one of the chair latch mechanisms and one of the wheelchair latch mechanisms such that the seat component is configured to be placed upon the chair component or the wheelchair component and releasably held in place by the chair latch mechanisms or the wheelchair latch mechanisms.