Patient Safety Transfer System with Center-of-Gravity Assemblies
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for positioning patients in prone or supine positions for posterior surgery are physically demanding and unsafe, risking injury to both patients and medical staff due to unbalanced loads and improper alignment, and can interfere with life-support systems.
Innovation Solution
A patient-safety-transfer system with center-of-gravity assemblies and powered-lift columns that allow for controlled rotation and positioning of patients, featuring dual-rack-and-pinion subsystems, gas-shock absorbers, and ratchet-and-pawl mechanisms to maintain a balanced load and secure patient alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual lifting and inverting is used to transfer patient from gurney to operating table, then patient can be positioned for surgery, but staff members are exposed to lifting injuries and physical demand increases
Solution Approach 1:
A mechanical transfer device acts as an intermediary between the gurney and operating table. The device includes a platform that receives the patient and mechanical components (cranks, levers, chains) that automatically perform the lifting and rotating actions, eliminating the need for staff to manually lift and invert the patient.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical system of lifting and inverting is replaced with an automated mechanical transfer system. The device uses powered or mechanically-actuated components to perform the transfer, substituting human physical effort with a mechanical system that reduces staff exposure to injury risks.
2Ease of operation
If manual lifting and inverting is used to transfer patient, then patient can be repositioned, but patient safety is compromised due to uncontrolled movement and lack of support
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical transfer device serves as a controlled intermediary that manages patient movement. The device provides structured support surfaces and controlled mechanical motion, preventing uncontrolled movement and ensuring patient safety during the transfer process.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is pre-configured with support surfaces and mechanical constraints that prepare the patient for safe transfer. The platform and support structures are positioned in advance to ensure proper alignment and protection during the transfer operation.
3Manufacturing precision
If patient is manually manipulated for alignment on operating table, then proper positioning can be achieved, but staff members are exposed to injury from patient weight
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical transfer device acts as an intermediary that achieves precise alignment without requiring staff to manually manipulate the patient. The device includes adjustable components and precision positioning mechanisms that automatically align the patient correctly while bearing the patient's weight.
4Device complexity
If unbalanced load system is used for patient transfer, then device complexity is reduced, but mechanical failure risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical transfer device incorporates counterbalancing mechanisms that offset the patient's weight. The system includes counterweights or mechanical advantage components that create a balanced load distribution, reducing the risk of mechanical failure while maintaining appropriate system complexity.
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 safely rotates patients between supine and prone positions, reducing the risk of injury and mechanical failure while ensuring proper alignment and support, thus enhancing patient and staff safety and reducing liability.
Implementation Method 1
gas-shock absorbers
Implementation Method 2
dual-rack-and-pinion subsystems
Implementation Method 3
ratchet-and-pawl mechanisms
Data Source
AI summary
Various apparatuses for supporting a patient in a prone position are described. In embodiment, an apparatus rotates a person from a supine position to a prone position and vice versa and includes opposing patient support platens each coupled to a corresponding end of a first and a second COG assembly, the first and second COG assemblies each coupled to a corresponding one of a pair of spindles, each one of the spindles disposed on a corresponding lift column. Embodiments described herein provide for an axis of rotation that is adjustable with respect to the plane of either an upper or lower support platen. Embodiments provide for adjusting the separation distance between the axis of rotation and the center of gravity defined by the combination of the person and the supporting platens.