Patient Turning Sheet and Wedge Assembly for Shear Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices and methods fail to adequately protect bedridden patients from pressure ulcers, particularly in the sacral region, due to difficulties in turning and maintaining consistent angles, slipping, and insufficient breathability, often requiring multiple caregivers and posing risks of injury.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a sheet with directional stitching and glide materials, and wedges with selective gliding assemblies, allowing controlled movement in specific directions to facilitate safe turning and positioning, while resisting movement in others, and incorporating breathable materials to prevent skin issues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If pillows are used to support the patient's body for turning, then the patient can be positioned at angles, but the pillows are non-uniform and can slip out from underneath the patient
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning system is divided into multiple components: a sheet with directional stitching patterns, wedge-shaped supports, and engagement members. Each component performs a specific function - the stitching provides directional friction control, the wedges provide stable angular support, and the engagement members secure the assembly. This segmentation replaces the single non-uniform pillow with coordinated elements that collectively improve reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The sheet incorporates directional stitching with varying friction characteristics in different regions and directions. The stitching density and orientation are locally optimized to provide high friction in directions where patient movement should be resisted, and lower friction where controlled movement is desired. This local quality variation ensures stable positioning without uniformity constraints.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If frequent turning is performed to combat sacral pressure ulcers, then pressure on the sacrum is reduced, but turning patients is difficult and time consuming, typically requiring two or more caregivers
Solution Approach 1:
The sheet and wedge assembly acts as an intermediary device that facilitates patient turning. Instead of caregivers directly manipulating the patient's body weight, they manipulate the positioning apparatus which then moves the patient. The directional stitching and engagement members reduce friction during the turning motion, making the process easier and faster while maintaining safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning system transitions from static pillow arrangements to dynamic components that facilitate movement. The directional stitching allows controlled sliding in specific directions during turning, while providing resistance in other directions to maintain position. This dynamic friction control enables easier patient repositioning without compromising stability once positioned.
3Ease of operation
If patients are positioned in an inclined position on the bed, then pulmonary reasons are addressed, but patients tend to slide downward toward the foot of the bed causing friction or shearing at the sacrum
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the friction parameter directionally through the stitching pattern. The stitching is oriented to provide high friction resistance specifically in the downward direction along the incline, while allowing easier movement in perpendicular directions. This parameter modification counteracts the gravitational sliding force without requiring complete immobilization, maintaining pulmonary positioning benefits while preventing harmful shearing.
4Duration of action of stationary object
If existing positioning devices are used under patients, then turning and positioning can be achieved, but they cannot be left under a patient for long periods of time due to insufficient breathability
Solution Approach 1:
The sheet and positioning components utilize porous or permeable materials that allow air and moisture vapor transmission. The fabric structure includes spaces and channels that enable breathability while maintaining the mechanical functions of friction control and positioning. This allows the device to remain under the patient for extended periods without causing skin issues related to poor ventilation.
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 system enables safe and efficient turning of patients, reducing the risk of pressure ulcers by minimizing friction and shearing forces, while requiring fewer caregivers and ensuring consistent angles, thus enhancing patient safety and caregiver safety.
Implementation Method 1
a first pull force necessary to create sliding movement of the sheet with respect to the ramp surface in the first direction is greater compared to a second pull force necessary to create sliding movement of the sheet with respect to the ramp surface in a second direction that is different from the first direction
Data Source
AI summary
A system for use with a bed having a frame and a supporting surface includes a sheet having a bottom surface configured to be placed above the supporting surface and a top surface opposite the bottom surface, and a wedge having a wedge body with a base wall, a ramp surface, and a back wall, wherein the base wall has a base engagement member configured to engage a surface of the bed to form a selective gliding assembly that resists movement of the wedge with respect to the bed in a direction extending from the back wall toward the apex, and wherein the base engagement member is configured as a patch, the patch covering only a first portion of the base wall such that edges of the engagement members are spaced from edges of the base wall to allow a second portion of the base wall to be exposed.