Multi-Trajectory Patient Lift Control for Standing and Repositioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing patient lifts are limited in their flexibility for multiple functions such as lifting, repositioning, and standing assistance, requiring time and effort to change between operating positions.
Innovation Solution
A patient lift with an additional electric motor drive allowing the patient platform to move along a different trajectory, combined with a telescopic and pivotable mast and support arm design, enabling flexible and ergonomic movement sequences through coordinated control of multiple drives.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a patient lift is designed with a fixed geometry for one specific function (lifting, repositioning, or standing aid), then the device structure is simple and reliable, but the adaptability to different patient needs and functions is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the support arm's angle adjustable relative to the mast through an electric motor-driven linear drive. This allows the geometry of the patient lift to be dynamically changed between different operating positions (shorter mast configuration for standing aid, longer mast configuration for lifting/repositioning), enabling one device to perform multiple functions without requiring complete structural redesign.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements universality by designing the patient lift with a support arm that can be positioned at different angles relative to the mast, allowing the same device to function as a lifting device, repositioning device, or standing aid. The electric motor-driven linear drive enables the support arm to assume different configurations, making the device universally applicable to various patient care needs.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the mast is made telescopic with two sections to enable two different operating positions, then the adaptability to different functions is improved, but the effort required by nursing staff to change functions increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical operation (nursing staff physically assembling/disassembling or adjusting the telescopic mast) with an electric motor-driven linear drive that automatically adjusts the support arm's angle. This substitution of mechanical manual operation with automated electric actuation significantly reduces the effort required by nursing staff to change between operating positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The electric motor-driven linear drive enables the patient lift to self-adjust its geometry between different operating positions without requiring manual intervention from nursing staff. The system serves itself by automatically reconfiguring the support arm's angle relative to the mast, eliminating the need for staff to physically manipulate the telescopic sections.
3Productivity
If the change between operating positions is performed manually before use, then the device structure remains simple, but the productivity and flexibility of patient care operations is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The electric motor-driven linear drive enables continuous adjustment of the support arm's angle throughout the operating range, allowing the patient lift to transition smoothly between different operating positions without interruption. This continuous adjustment capability eliminates the need to stop patient care operations for manual reconfiguration, maintaining productivity and flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The electric motor-driven linear drive can pre-position the support arm at the appropriate angle for the required function before patient care operations begin. This preliminary positioning capability ensures that the device is ready for immediate use in the desired configuration, reducing setup time and increasing productivity.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a patient lift with a frame on which a mast (3) is mounted, on which a support arm (5) is pivotably arranged. The angle of the support arm relative to the mast (3) is adjustable by means of an electric linear drive (7), whereby a patient platform (6) arranged on the support arm (5) moves along a predetermined trajectory. The patient lift is characterized in that at least one further electric drive (8) is provided, by means of which the patient platform can be moved along a further trajectory that differs from the predetermined trajectory. The invention further relates to a method for controlling a patient lift.