Patient Positioning Sheet Assembly With Grip Handles and Cushioning

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing draw sheets are difficult for caregivers to grasp, leading to potential patient injury and inefficiencies due to slippage and bunching, especially when moving or repositioning patients.

Innovation Solution

A sheet assembly with integrated handle interfaces and a cushioned surface to facilitate secure grasping and reduce patient discomfort, featuring a base sheet with handle interfaces and a pocket sheet to allow for easy manipulation, and a cushion to prevent bunching and skin injury.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a draw sheet is used to move or reposition a patient, then the patient can be repositioned, but the draw sheet is difficult for caregivers to grasp and may slip when forces are applied

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of graspingVSAvoidgrip security

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The draw sheet is segmented by adding separate handle components (loops, straps, or tabs) attached to the sheet. These handles are positioned at strategic locations to provide secure hand placement. The handles are distinct from the main sheet body, allowing caregivers to grasp them without their hands slipping on the smooth fabric surface of the draw sheet.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Handles act as intermediary elements between the caregiver's hands and the draw sheet. Instead of directly grasping the smooth fabric which causes slippage, caregivers grasp the handles which are specifically designed with friction-enhancing features or geometric shapes that provide secure grip. This intermediary structure transfers the grasping force reliably to move the patient.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If a draw sheet is used to move a patient, then the patient can be repositioned, but the sheet may bunch and cause skin injury

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverepositioning efficiencyVSAvoidskin injury risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A cushioning layer is integrated into the draw sheet assembly, positioned between the patient's skin and the draw sheet fabric. This cushioning element prevents direct contact between the sheet and patient skin, eliminating the harmful effect of bunching-induced pressure and friction that could cause skin injury. The cushion absorbs localized pressure points when the sheet is manipulated.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The draw sheet incorporates a flexible, low-friction surface layer or protective film that reduces the tendency of the sheet to bunch and stick to patient skin. This flexible protective layer moves smoothly with patient repositioning while preventing the fabric from creating pressure points or skin irritation during the moving process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Data Source

PatentUS20260076854A1Sheet assembly for positioning a patient

Publication Date: 2026.03.19 SAGE PROD LLC

AI summary

An assembly includes a sheet assembly for positioning a patient. The sheet assembly includes a base sheet having a first end, a second end, a top surface, and a bottom surface opposite the top surface. The assembly also includes a pad coupled to the base sheet and positioned between the first end and the second end. The assembly also includes a bed support coupled to the base sheet. The bed support includes a support sheet and a support pad positioned between the support sheet and the base sheet.