Patient Transfer Support with Protruding Engaging Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional patient transfer solutions require placement under the patient for each transfer, which is time-consuming, labor-intensive, and not specific to each patient's morphology, leading to discomfort and safety concerns.
Innovation Solution
A transfer support configurable between a sliding and a non-sliding state, featuring a first surface with openings and engaging elements that can protrude to engage with the support surface, allowing for easy sliding during transfers and secure fixation when needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional transfer supports (sliding sheets, transfer boards, roller boards) are used, then patient transfer can be facilitated, but the transfer support must be placed under the patient for each transfer which is time-consuming and labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The transfer support is placed under the patient before the transfer process begins, rather than being introduced at the moment of transfer. This preliminary placement allows the support to be ready and positioned correctly, eliminating the time-consuming step of placing transfer supports during each transfer event.
Solution Approach 2:
The transfer support serves multiple functions: it acts as a sliding surface during transfer, provides patient support during stays, and can be repositioned to different locations (bed, stretcher, surgical table). This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate transfer supports for each transfer event.
2Ease of operation
If conventional transfer supports are used, then patient transfer is enabled, but the supports are not specific to each patient's morphology leading to discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The transfer support features a contoured shape with specific local qualities including a head region, torso region, and leg region that correspond to different parts of the patient's body. This local differentiation provides morphology-specific support and comfort while maintaining overall adaptability.
3Reliability
If engaging elements protrude through openings to engage with the support surface, then the transfer support can resist sliding, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The engaging elements are divided into multiple discrete components distributed across the transfer support surface, with each element working independently to provide fixation. This segmentation allows for simpler individual elements while achieving reliable overall fixation through multiple contact points.
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
Enables efficient and safe patient transfers by allowing the same support to facilitate both sliding and non-sliding functions, reducing the time and effort required for transfers while ensuring patient comfort and safety.
Implementation Method 1
at least one engaging element... configured to protrude through a corresponding one of the at least one opening to engage with the support surface to resist sliding relative to the support surface
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 1C~1D
Figure 2A~2D
AI summary
A transfer support for a patient, comprising a bottom surface; and at least one engaging element. The transfer support is configurable between a first state, in which the transfer support is slidable relative to a support surface, and a second state, in which the at least one engaging element protrudes from the bottom surface to engage with the support surface and resist sliding relative to the support surface.