Flexible Planar Support with Annular Beam Stiffness
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current individual support apparatuses lack a combination of sufficient handle reinforcement for strength and unique layering for absorbency and dryness, which complicates manual suspension and movement of individuals from one surface to another.
Innovation Solution
A flexible planar support apparatus with a flexible annular beam providing stiffness and grasping handholds, combined with a multi-layered structure of bamboo fabric, polyester, non-woven super absorption fibers, urethane, and woven reinforced fabric for enhanced strength, absorbency, and comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a flexible planar element is used for support, then comfort and adaptability are improved, but structural strength and handle reinforcement are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines flexible planar element material with reinforcing panel material to create a composite structure. The reinforcing panel is attached to the flexible planar element at the handle region, providing additional strength and structural support where needed, while maintaining the overall flexibility and comfort of the support apparatus.
2Strength
If handle reinforcement is added for strength, then structural integrity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support apparatus is divided into distinct functional segments: a flexible planar element for comfort and a separate reinforcing panel for strength. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies manufacturing and assembly processes.
Solution Approach 2:
Reinforcement is applied locally only at the handle region where structural strength is most needed, rather than throughout the entire support apparatus. This localized reinforcement maintains overall device simplicity while providing necessary strength at critical points.
3Ease of operation
If multi-layered structure is implemented for absorbency, then comfort and dryness are improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a multi-layered composite structure with different material layers designed to provide specific functions such as absorbency, comfort, and structural support. Each layer is optimized for its specific function, creating a composite material system that delivers enhanced overall performance.
4Ease of operation
If absorbing materials are added for dryness, then comfort is improved, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
Absorbent materials are strategically placed in specific regions of the support apparatus where they provide maximum benefit for comfort and dryness, rather than uniformly distributing them throughout the entire structure. This localized approach optimizes comfort while minimizing unnecessary weight.
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 enables efficient and comfortable manual suspension and movement of individuals by providing a strong, absorbent, and dry support surface with improved handle reinforcement and layering, reducing discomfort and enhancing handling capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
non-woven super absorption fibers
Implementation Method 2
non-woven super absorption fibers
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is a support apparatus for an attendant manually transporting an individual from a first rest surface to a second rest surface, the support apparatus including a flexible planar element with a thickness dimension, the flexible planar element having a first end portion and an opposing second end portion, and a first side margin portion and an opposing second side margin portion, that all combine to form a peripheral portion of the flexible planar element. Further included is a flexible annular beam that is disposed on the peripheral portion, the beam having a short beam dimension thicker than the flexible planar element thickness dimension, wherein operationally the beam helps give a degree of stiffness to the flexible planar element and helps to provide a grasping handhold for the attendant along the peripheral portion.