Patient Transport Sling Dynamics for Supine to Seated Transfer
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices fail to effectively reduce the strain and stress on caregivers when moving patients from one surface to another, particularly when transitioning from a supine to a sitting position or vice versa.
Innovation Solution
A transport apparatus comprising a base, a sling, and a lifting arm that reconfigures from a planar to a cradle arrangement, allowing for the safe lifting and transfer of patients from a supine to a sitting position, and optionally enabling self-mobility once seated, with adjustable base width and a drive unit for user operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If existing lifting devices are used to move patients from supine to sitting position, then the patient can be transferred between surfaces, but the caregiver is still exposed to significant strain and stress
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting arm is designed with dynamic movement capability, allowing it to extend horizontally over the patient support surface and then vertically lift the patient. The arm can move between different positions (horizontal extension position for patient engagement, vertical lifting position for transfer) to adapt to various transfer scenarios while maintaining caregiver safety through automated lifting action.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a rigid lifting structure is used, then structural strength is sufficient for patient lifting, but the device cannot adapt to different patient support surfaces and positions
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting apparatus is divided into distinct functional segments: a base unit, a movable lifting arm with multiple position configurations, and a sling system. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally while working together to provide both strength and adaptability for various patient transfer scenarios.
3Shape
If the sling remains in planar arrangement during lifting, then the structure is simple, but the patient cannot be properly positioned in seated position
Solution Approach 1:
The sling is designed to dynamically reconfigure from a planar arrangement during patient loading to a folded or cradle arrangement during lifting and seated positioning. This dynamic shape change enables the sling to adapt to different patient positions (supine to seated) while maintaining structural integrity and providing proper support throughout the transfer process.
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 apparatus reduces caregiver strain by facilitating safe and efficient transfer of patients between surfaces, allowing for both assisted and self-mobility, while minimizing the burden on caregivers and enabling versatile use across different support surfaces.
Implementation Method 1
The sling is adapted to be reconfigured from a planar arrangement to non-planar, folded or cradle arrangement for suspending a person in seated position
Implementation Method 2
A transport apparatus includes a base, a sling, and a lifting arm mounted to the base. The lifting arm extends from the base and is configured to move from a first height relative to the base
Implementation Method 3
the sling is rotatably mounted to the lifting arm. In this manner, a person supported in a supine position on the sling when it is in its planar arrangement may be raised to a sitting position
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~5
Figure 5A
AI summary
A transport apparatus includes a base, a sling, a support frame mounted to the base. The support frame extends over the base and is configured to move from a first position spaced above the base at a first height wherein the support frame may be extended over and proximate a support surface for engaging the sling when placed on the support surface to a second position spaced above a second height greater than the first height once engaged with the sling wherein when the support frame and the sling are raised to the second position the sling is raised above the support surface so that a person supported on the sling may be lifted off the support surface with the sling and moved away from the support surface by the base. Further, the sling may be rotatably mounted to the support frame to facilitate reorientation of the person.