Seated Patient Positioning Pad With One-Way Gliding Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Caregivers face difficulties in positioning patients with limited mobility in seated positions and maintaining them there, as existing apparatuses fail to adequately prevent sliding and falls, and do not provide sufficient protection against pressure ulcers.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus comprising a cushioning member with a selective gliding assembly and slip-resistant material, allowing rearward sliding while resisting forward and lateral movement, and including straps for easy manipulation, along with a movement limiting mechanism for temporary stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a patient with limited mobility is pushed or pulled backward in the chair to be seated in the proper position, then the patient can be positioned correctly, but this causes strain on the caregiver
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary device (positioning system with sheets and engagement members) between the caregiver and the patient. This system allows the patient to be positioned by pulling the sheets rather than directly handling the patient, reducing caregiver strain while achieving proper positioning
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning system enables patients with some mobility to assist in their own positioning by pulling on the sheets or engaging with the movement limiting mechanism, reducing the effort required by caregivers
2Ease of operation
If a patient with decreased mobility is placed in a chair, then the patient can be seated, but the patient tends to slide downward and forward which poses fall risks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by using slip-resistant material on the top sheet and engagement members configured to resist forward sliding before the patient can slide far enough to fall. The system proactively counteracts the sliding tendency rather than reacting after sliding occurs
Solution Approach 2:
The engagement members and sheets act as an intermediary mechanism between the patient and the chair, providing controlled resistance to forward movement while allowing safe rearward adjustment, thereby preventing falls without completely restricting patient movement
3Ease of operation
If existing apparatuses are used to position patients in chairs, then some positioning support is provided, but they do not provide adequate protection against pressure ulcers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the contacting surfaces by using cushioning members with pressure-distributing properties and slip-resistant materials with appropriate friction coefficients. These parameter changes reduce pressure concentration points that could lead to pressure ulcers while maintaining positioning effectiveness
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
Facilitates safe and comfortable positioning of patients, reduces caregiver strain, and minimizes the risk of falls and pressure ulcers by ensuring stable seating and easy repositioning.
Implementation Method 1
a selective gliding assembly positioned between the top sheet and the bottom sheet... The first engagement member and the second engagement member engage each other to resist sliding of the top sheet in a forward direction relative to the bottom sheet and to permit sliding of the top sheet in a rearward direction
Implementation Method 2
The top sheet may have at least one end connected to the bottom sheet, and the top sheet further has a slip resistant material positioned on the top surface
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus is configured for use with a chair having a supporting surface, and includes a cushioning member adapted to be placed above the supporting surface, a bottom sheet connected to the cushioning member and having an engagement surface opposite the cushioning member, a top sheet having a bottom surface positioned in confronting relation to the engagement surface and a top surface opposite the bottom surface, and a selective gliding assembly positioned between the top and bottom sheets. The top sheet has at least one end connected to the bottom sheet, and the top sheet further has a slip resistant material positioned on the top surface. The selective gliding assembly includes engagement members positioned on the engagement surface and on the bottom surface of the top sheet, and the engagement members engage each other to resist forward sliding of the top sheet and to permit rearward sliding of the top sheet.