Patient Turning Sheet and Roll Strap for Stable Side Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices and methods for turning and positioning bedridden patients are difficult, time-consuming, and often result in caregiver injuries, and do not adequately prevent pressure ulcers, particularly in the sacral region, due to non-uniform support and frequent slipping.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a sheet with a high-friction and low-friction surface, and a roll strap that removably couples to the sheet, allowing for easy repositioning of patients to angled positions, using handles and connectors to stabilize the patient on a support structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If pillows are used to support the patient's body in resting on their sides, then the patient can be positioned at an angle, but the pillows are non-uniform and can slip out from underneath the patient, resulting in inconsistent turning angles and inadequate pressure relief
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a flexible sheet with differentiated friction surfaces - a high-friction top surface that prevents patient sliding and a low-friction bottom surface that allows easy positioning. This flexible film approach replaces traditional pillows with a stable, non-slipping solution that maintains consistent patient positioning throughout the turning protocol
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the friction parameter of the sheet surfaces to achieve different functional effects. The top surface has high friction coefficient to prevent patient sliding, while the bottom surface has low friction coefficient to facilitate easy positioning and adjustment, thereby ensuring both stability and ease of operation
2Ease of operation
If two or more caregivers are used to turn the patient, then the patient can be safely repositioned, but the process becomes time-consuming and caregivers are at risk of injury from pushing and pulling the patient's weight
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a sheet as an intermediary device between the caregiver and the patient. The sheet with its low-friction bottom surface allows caregivers to easily slide and position the patient without direct manual handling, reducing physical strain and time required for turning while maintaining safety
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of manual patient handling with a friction-based system. By using a sheet with differentiated friction surfaces, the turning process is transformed from direct physical manipulation to a controlled sliding motion, reducing caregiver effort and time while maintaining patient safety
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the patient is turned frequently to prevent pressure ulcers, then pressure on the sacrum is reduced, but the turning process is difficult and time-consuming, making compliance with turning protocols difficult to ensure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the patient to essentially reposition themselves or be easily repositioned with minimal caregiver intervention. The high-friction top surface of the sheet allows the patient's body to remain stable during turning, while the low-friction bottom surface facilitates easy movement, making the turning process quick and compliant with protocols
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
Facilitates safe and efficient patient repositioning, reducing the risk of pressure ulcers and caregiver injuries by providing consistent turning angles and secure patient positioning.
Implementation Method 1
A system comprising a sheet with a high-friction surface... reduce frictional forces
Data Source
AI summary
A system for positioning a patient on a support structure having a support surface includes a sheet configured to be positioned on the support surface, the sheet comprising a first fastening element, and a roll strap comprising a top edge and a bottom edge. The roll strap further comprising at least one connection end configured to engage with a portion of the support structure to maintain the patient positioned on the sheet and the roll strap in an angled position relative to the support surface, where at least one of the top edge or the bottom edge of the roll strap comprises a second fastening element that is configured to removably couple with the first fastening element.