Patient Containment Straps With D-Ring Routing for Transport

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional patient containment systems, such as stair chairs, often struggle with securing patients of varying sizes, particularly pediatric or bariatric patients, and cause discomfort due to difficult routing of straps.

Innovation Solution

A patient transport apparatus with a carrier assembly that includes a track assembly and a deployment lock mechanism, allowing for easy transition between floor and stair configurations, combined with a patient containment system featuring adjustable straps for secure patient retention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional straps and harnesses are used to secure patients, then patient retention is achieved, but strap routing becomes difficult and patient discomfort increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepatient retentionVSAvoidstrap routing
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces D-rings as intermediary attachment points on the stair chair frame, which serve as fixed anchors for strap routing. These D-rings provide predetermined, ergonomically positioned attachment points that guide strap placement and simplify the securing process while maintaining reliable patient retention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent pre-configures the stair chair with integrated D-rings at optimal positions before patient arrival. This preliminary arrangement of attachment points eliminates the need for complex real-time strap routing decisions, allowing caregivers to quickly and easily secure patients using pre-planned strap paths.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If adjustable straps are used to accommodate different patient body types, then versatility is improved, but strap routing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepatient body type accommodationVSAvoidstrap routing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The D-rings serve as fixed intermediary points that simplify strap routing for various patient sizes. By providing predetermined attachment locations on the frame, the system maintains versatility in accommodating different body types while eliminating complex routing paths, as straps can be directly connected between D-rings and patient harness points.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The D-ring attachment system provides universal functionality for securing patients of various sizes and types. The same fixed D-ring locations work effectively for pediatric, adult, and bariatric patients, eliminating the need for complex adjustable routing mechanisms while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If stair chairs require two caregivers for safe transport, then patient safety is improved, but operational complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepatient safetyVSAvoidcaregiver coordination
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The D-rings serve as fixed intermediary points that stabilize the patient position on the chair, reducing movement and making the patient more secure. This enhanced stability reduces the coordination complexity between caregivers, as the patient is less likely to shift or require frequent adjustments during transport.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Reliability

If conventional containment systems are used, then basic patient security is achieved, but patient comfort deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepatient securityVSAvoidpatient discomfort
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The D-rings provide fixed attachment points that enable proper strap positioning, preventing straps from rubbing or pressing on sensitive patient areas. This intermediary routing system maintains secure patient containment while distributing pressure more evenly and comfortably across the patient's body.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS12350205B2Patient containment systems for use with patient transport apparatuses
Publication Date: 2025.07.08 STRYKER CORP
  • US12350205B2 patent drawing
  • US12350205B2 patent drawing
  • US12350205B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A patient containment system for securing a patient to a patient transport apparatus, comprising a first lower strap and a second lower strap. Each of the first lower strap and the second lower strap have a thigh region, a waist region, and a connection region arranged between the thigh region and the waist region. A first connector is coupled to the connection region of the first lower strap. A second connector is coupled to the connection region of the second lower strap, and is configured to releasably attach to the first connector to at least partially limit movement of the first lower strap relative to the second lower strap. The connection region defines a connection width, and the thigh region defines a thigh width larger than the connection width.