Patient Lifter Hook Latch With Visual Open-Closed Indication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connection point assemblies for patient lifter spreader bars are difficult to use, often requiring two-handed operation to release sling straps and are prone to inadvertent detachment, leading to safety concerns and tampering issues.
Innovation Solution
A connection point assembly with a hook member and a latch assembly that is configurable between open and closed positions, featuring a visual indicator to show the latch position and a coiled spring biasing mechanism to maintain the latch in a closed position, allowing one-handed operation and preventing tampering.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a looped spring steel clip latch is used to prevent inadvertent detachment, then safety is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates requiring two-handed operation
Solution Approach 1:
The latch assembly is segmented into distinct functional components: a rotatable base mounted on the hook, a latch arm extending from the base, and a separate visual indicator system. This segmentation allows the latch mechanism to be operated independently with one hand while providing clear visual feedback about its state, resolving the contradiction between safety and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
A visual indicator system acts as an intermediary between the latch mechanism and the user. The indicator provides immediate visual feedback about whether the latch is closed or open, eliminating the need for two-handed operation to verify latch status and reducing operational complexity while maintaining safety.
2Reliability
If the latch extends vertically across the mouth to reduce inadvertent detachment, then safety is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The latch transitions from a static vertical bar to a dynamic rotatable arm mechanism. The latch arm can rotate between a closed position (extending vertically to prevent detachment) and an open position (retracted to allow strap removal). This dynamic behavior maintains safety when needed while enabling easy one-handed operation when release is required.
3Ease of operation
If a visual indicator system is added to show latch position, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The visual indicator system is merged with the existing latch assembly structure. The indicator is integrated into the rotatable base or latch arm components, sharing common mounting points and structural elements. This merging approach provides clear visual feedback while minimizing the increase in overall device complexity.
4Reliability
If the hook doubles back sufficiently for vertical latch extension, then safety is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism transitions from a fixed geometric solution requiring precise hook doubling to a dynamic rotatable arm system. The arm can adapt to slight variations in hook geometry while maintaining effective obstruction when closed, reducing manufacturing precision requirements while preserving safety functionality.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enhances safe operation by providing a visual indication of the latch position and enabling one-handed use, reducing the risk of inadvertent detachment and tampering.
Implementation Method 1
a coiled spring biasing mechanism to maintain the latch in a closed position
Data Source
AI summary
A connection point assembly for a patient lifter spreader bar has a hook member defining a throat having a mouth, the mouth being formed between a distal end of the hook member and an adjacent base portion and a latch assembly operably coupled to the hook member at the mouth and comprising a latch configurable between an open position wherein the latch does not obstruct the mouth and a closed position wherein the latch obstructs the mouth. The connection point assembly comprises a visual indicator indicative of the open position and the closed position.