Patient Care Transport Assembly with Side-by-Side Docking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing patient transport systems in hospitals lack integration of powered transport, bed/chair convertibility, and adjustability, making them less functional and increasing the risk of patient handling injuries for caregivers.
Innovation Solution
A versatile patient care and transport assembly with a multi-functional patient support frame incorporating individual sensors, power and drive components, and expandable railings, allowing for various support positions and side-by-side docking of assemblies to facilitate safe and efficient patient transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing patient transport systems use simple manual designs, then device complexity is reduced, but functional versatility and caregiver safety deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions (powered transport, bed/chair convertibility, adjustability, patient monitoring) into a single integrated assembly. The base module integrates power components, drive mechanisms, and control systems, while the patient support module combines articulating sections, sensors, and safety railings. This merging approach achieves functional versatility without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patient support frame is designed with multiple articulating sections that can be positioned in various configurations to provide different support positions (seated, reclined, elevated). The assembly can function as both a transport device and a patient care platform, serving multiple purposes within a single system.
2Productivity
If existing systems lack integrated power and drive components, then device complexity is reduced, but transport efficiency and operational capability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
Power and drive components are integrated into a consolidated base module that supports the patient support module. This integration eliminates the need for separate power sources and drive mechanisms, achieving transport efficiency while managing complexity through modular consolidation.
Solution Approach 2:
The powered transport system enables the assembly to move and reposition itself without external assistance. The integrated drive components allow the system to autonomously navigate hospital corridors and positioning areas, improving transport efficiency while reducing the need for additional manual handling equipment.
3Reliability
If existing systems lack multiple articulating sections, then device complexity is reduced, but patient safety and comfort deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patient support frame is divided into multiple articulating sections that can be independently positioned and adjusted. This segmentation allows different portions of the patient support structure to be optimized for specific functions (head support, leg elevation, trunk positioning) while maintaining overall structural integrity and safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The articulating sections are designed to be dynamically adjustable, allowing the support frame to adapt to various patient positions and care requirements. The sections can be tilted and repositioned to provide optimal support and safety for different patient conditions and transport scenarios.
4Productivity
If existing systems lack side-by-side docking capability, then device complexity is reduced, but patient transfer safety and efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The assembly incorporates docking components that enable it to connect with another identical assembly, creating a multi-functional capability for safe patient transfer. This universal docking interface allows the system to serve both as an independent transport unit and as part of a coupled transfer system.
Solution Approach 2:
The docking mechanism acts as an intermediary connection between two patient support assemblies, facilitating controlled patient transfer while maintaining support and safety throughout the transition. The docking interface mediates the interaction between assemblies, enabling coordinated movement and positioning.
Data Source
AI summary
A versatile patient care and transport assembly having a patient support frame constructed of multiple sections, each including pluralities of individual patient sensors, and which can be cooperatively tilted or otherwise inter-articulated to a variety of support positions. Pull-out/expandable side and end railings are provided for patient safety. Power and drive components are incorporated into a base module upon which the patient support module is mounted in multiple elevatable and/or articulating fashion. Also provided is paired side-by-side docking of two identical assemblies such as for facilitate patient transfer and in order to drastically reduce the risks associated with handling of patients by caregivers.