Patient Positioning Wedge With Directional Glide Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices and methods fail to adequately protect bedridden patients from pressure ulcers, particularly in the sacral region, due to difficulties in turning patients, inconsistent turning angles, and the inability to maintain patient positioning, leading to friction, shearing, and sliding issues.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a sheet with directional stitching and glide materials, and wedges with selective gliding assemblies, which resist movement in specific directions, allowing for easier patient turning and positioning, and includes a support to maintain patient stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If pillows are used to support the patient's body for turning, then the patient can be positioned at an angle, but the pillows are non-uniform and can slip out from underneath the patient
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning system is divided into multiple components: a sheet with directional stitching, an absorbent pad, and a wedge with selective gliding assemblies. Each component performs a specific function, and together they provide stable, adjustable positioning without the slipping problems of traditional pillows.
Solution Approach 2:
The sheet incorporates directional stitching with different friction characteristics in different directions. The stitching pattern creates high friction in one direction to prevent slipping while allowing controlled movement in another direction, providing localized friction control where needed.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If frequent turning of the patient is performed to combat sacral pressure ulcers, then pressure on the sacrum is reduced, but turning patients is difficult and time consuming, typically requiring two or more caregivers
Solution Approach 1:
The wedge with selective gliding assemblies acts as an intermediary device that facilitates patient turning. The wedge provides mechanical advantage and controlled sliding surfaces, allowing a single caregiver to reposition patients efficiently without requiring multiple people to manually lift and turn the patient.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces the manual mechanical effort of lifting and turning a patient with a mechanical system involving the wedge and selective gliding assemblies. The wedge converts small input forces into larger positioning forces, reducing the physical effort and time required for patient repositioning.
3Ease of operation
If patients are positioned in an inclined position on the bed, then pulmonary reasons are addressed, but patients tend to slide downward toward the foot of the bed over time
Solution Approach 1:
The sheet uses directional stitching that creates asymmetric friction characteristics. The stitching pattern provides high friction in the direction opposing downward sliding while allowing controlled movement in other directions, locally enhancing friction where needed to maintain inclined positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The selective gliding assemblies are pre-configured to resist movement in directions that would cause the patient to slide downward. The wedge and sheet engagement members create preliminary resistance to unwanted motion before sliding occurs, maintaining stable inclined positioning.
4Ease of operation
If existing positioning devices are used under a patient, then positioning is achieved, but they cannot be left under a patient for long periods of time due to insufficient breathability
Solution Approach 1:
The absorbent pad and sheet materials are selected to be porous and breathable, allowing air circulation and moisture vapor transmission. This enables the positioning system to be left under patients for extended periods without causing skin breakdown from poor breathability, while still providing effective positioning support.
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
The system facilitates safe and efficient patient turning and positioning, reducing the risk of pressure ulcers by minimizing friction and shearing forces, while allowing for breathability and ease of use, even with a single caregiver.
Implementation Method 1
a first pull force necessary to create sliding movement of the sheet with respect to the ramp surface in the first direction is greater compared to a second pull force necessary to create sliding movement of the sheet with respect to the ramp surface in a second direction
Data Source
AI summary
A system for use with a bed having a frame and a supporting surface includes a sheet having a bottom surface configured to be placed above the supporting surface and a top surface opposite the bottom surface, and a wedge having a wedge body with a base wall, a ramp surface, and a back wall, wherein the base wall has a base engagement member configured to engage a surface of the bed to form a selective gliding assembly that resists movement of the wedge with respect to the bed in a direction extending from the back wall toward the apex, and wherein the base engagement member is configured as a patch, the patch covering only a first portion of the base wall such that edges of the engagement members are spaced from edges of the base wall to allow a second portion of the base wall to be exposed.