Integrated Patient Sling Sheet for Comfortable Bed Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing patient slings pose difficulties during the transfer of incapacitated patients, particularly when moving them onto and off the sling, causing discomfort and inefficiency for caregivers.
Innovation Solution
A combined patient sling and bed covering designed as a single-layer sheet with adjustable straps and reinforcement elements, allowing for lifting and transferring patients using a standard bed sheet without the need for separate slings, ensuring patient comfort and support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate patient sling is used for transferring patients, then patient support and lifting capability is improved, but the complexity of the procedure increases and requires additional equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the patient sling and bed sheet into a single integrated device. The bed sheet includes integrated coupling elements (straps, loops, or other attachment mechanisms) that allow it to function as both a protective bed covering and a lifting sling. This eliminates the need for separate sling equipment while maintaining patient support capability during transfer operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The bed sheet is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as a protective bed covering during normal patient care and as a lifting sling during patient transfers. The coupling elements are positioned and designed to enable the sheet to be attached to lifting equipment, allowing the same device to fulfill both protective and mechanical support roles.
2Strength
If traditional slings are used for patient transfer, then lifting strength is improved, but patient comfort deteriorates due to the need to transfer onto and off the sling
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the bed sheet and sling into one device, the patient remains on the same continuous surface throughout the transfer process. The sheet is positioned to support the patient's body while being attached to lifting equipment, eliminating the need to shift or transfer onto a separate sling, thereby maintaining comfort while providing lifting strength.
3Ease of operation
If a single-layer sheet is used as bed covering, then patient comfort regarding pressure ulcer prevention is improved, but the strength to support patient weight during lifting may be insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The bed sheet is designed with non-uniform structural properties: the majority of the sheet surface remains as a single smooth layer for pressure ulcer prevention, while specific localized areas (at the edges or corners) incorporate reinforcement elements or coupling mechanisms. These localized reinforcements provide the necessary strength for lifting without compromising the overall single-layer smooth surface that prevents pressure ulcers.
Data Source
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AI summary
The patient transfer sheet (10) acts as a combined sling and bed cover and includes a substantially rectangular sheet portion (22) of a size to fit over a standard bed mattress and to which are attached a plurality of straps (20) for coupling to a hoist (14). The patient transfer sheet (10) is preferably made of a single-layered material which is breathable, strong and soft. The patient transfer sheet (10) 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 (30) without needing to remove the patient from the sling.