Modular Hospital Bed Barrier with Oblique Shield
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current barriers used in healthcare settings, such as intubation boxes, are cumbersome, limit the range of motion for healthcare workers, and can pose risks during airway management procedures, including the potential for carbon dioxide retention and fire hazards, while also restricting access and visibility during procedures.
Innovation Solution
A modular barrier system that attaches to a hospital bed, featuring side panels, a back panel, and a transparent shield extending obliquely over the patient, allowing for unencumbered access and visibility while maintaining a barrier against aerosols, with slots for tool and tube access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a barrier is used to protect healthcare workers from aerosol transmission, then safety is improved, but access and range of motion for the worker are restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The barrier is divided into multiple panels (back panel, side panels, shield panel) connected by flexible joints, allowing the structure to be segmented and reconfigured. This enables the barrier to provide protection while allowing workers to access the patient from multiple angles by moving or removing specific panels as needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The barrier incorporates dynamic elements including flexible connections between panels and removable components, allowing the structure to adapt its configuration during procedures. Workers can adjust the barrier's position and open access points dynamically while maintaining protection from aerosol transmission.
2Reliability
If a confined barrier structure is used, then aerosol transmission is blocked, but carbon dioxide retention and fire hazards increase
Solution Approach 1:
The barrier structure is segmented into separate panels with gaps between them, preventing the formation of a completely enclosed space. This allows continuous air exchange while still blocking aerosol transmission, eliminating carbon dioxide retention and fire hazards associated with confined spaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The barrier uses transparent shield panels that can be positioned to block aerosols without creating a sealed enclosure. The flexible positioning and transparent nature of these panels allow for air circulation while maintaining protection from aerosol transmission.
3Reliability
If a barrier is positioned between worker and patient, then aerosol transmission is prevented, but visibility and speed of procedure are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The barrier incorporates transparent or translucent shield panels that maintain visibility while blocking aerosol transmission. The transparency of these panels allows workers to see the patient clearly during procedures, eliminating the visibility obstruction that would otherwise slow down the procedure.
4Reliability
If a traditional intubation box is used, then barrier protection is provided, but range of motion and freedom of movement are greatly limited
Solution Approach 1:
The barrier system is segmented into multiple independently movable panels connected by flexible joints, replacing the rigid enclosed structure of traditional intubation boxes. This segmentation allows workers to move their arms and body freely while maintaining barrier protection, as individual panels can be adjusted or moved out of the way as needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The barrier incorporates dynamic positioning capabilities with panels that can be moved, rotated, or removed during procedures. This dynamic design allows workers to maintain full range of motion and freedom of movement while the barrier provides protection when positioned in the appropriate configuration.
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, a barrier includes two side panels extending on parallel planes and spaced laterally apart. Each side panel including a back end, a front edge opposed to the back end, a bottom edge, and an engagement feature on the bottom edge of each side panel. A back panel connects the side panels at the back ends, and a shield extends from an upper end of the back panel at an oblique angle in an upward and forward direction.