Patient sling
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing patient slings require transferring incapacitated patients onto and off the sling, which is difficult for caregivers and uncomfortable for patients, and do not provide adequate support or comfort, particularly in preventing pressure ulcers.
Innovation Solution
A combined patient sling and bed covering with a substantially rectangular sheet and coupling elements for attachment to a lifting device, allowing the sheet to function as both a sling and a bed covering, providing support and comfort while minimizing surface irregularities to prevent pressure ulcers, and being adjustable and washable.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a separate patient sling is used for transferring incapacitated patients, then the patient can be supported and moved, but the patient must be transferred onto and off the sling which causes difficulty for caregivers and discomfort for patients
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the patient sling and bed covering into a single integrated sheet with coupling elements. The sheet serves dual purposes: as a sling for patient transfer and as a bed covering when not in use. This eliminates the need for separate slings and reduces the number of devices required for patient care.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated sheet is designed to perform multiple functions: it can be used as a patient sling for transfer, as a bed covering for comfort, and as a protective layer. The coupling elements enable it to function as a sling when attached to a lifting device, while the smooth surface makes it suitable for patient comfort during extended periods.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional slings are used, then patient support is provided, but surface irregularities such as protrusions and stitch lines can cause discomfort and pressure ulcers
Solution Approach 1:
The sheet is designed with different surface qualities in different regions. The patient contact area has a smooth, substantially free surface without protrusions or stitch lines to prevent pressure ulcers. The coupling elements and reinforcement are located at the edges and periphery, away from the patient contact zone, maintaining strength without compromising the smooth surface quality where needed.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the sheet is made smooth to prevent pressure ulcers, then patient comfort is improved, but the coupling elements and features must be positioned to avoid patient contact
Solution Approach 1:
The sheet is functionally segmented into different zones: a smooth patient contact zone in the central area, and an edge zone containing coupling elements, reinforcement, and other features. This spatial segmentation allows the smooth surface requirement to be met in the patient contact area while accommodating necessary functional elements at the periphery.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If a single layer sheet is used to conform with pressure ulcer guidelines, then patient comfort and safety are improved, but the sheet must be sufficiently strong to support patient weight
Solution Approach 1:
The sheet uses a single layer construction in the patient contact area to prevent pressure ulcers, while incorporating reinforcement elements at the edges and periphery. This localized reinforcement provides the necessary strength to support patient weight (at least 75 kg, preferably over 100 kg) without creating surface irregularities in the patient contact zone.
Data Source
AI summary
The patient transfer acts as a combined sling and bed cover and includes a substantially rectangular sheet portion of a size to fit over a standard bed mattress and to which are attached a plurality of straps for coupling to a hoist. The patient transfer sheet is preferably made of a single-layered material which is breathable, strong and soft. The patient transfer sheet can act as a sling for transportation/repositioning of a patient as well as a replacement bed covering to replace conventional bed linen. The patient can thus be transported onto a bed without needing to remove the patient from the sling.