Multi-cell Pneumatic Chair Jack for Stable Patient Lifting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for raising a patient from a seated position to a standing position pose risks of injury to both the patient and caregivers due to instability and improper force distribution, with existing lifting devices often requiring large machines and exerting forces on joints.
Innovation Solution
A multi-cell pneumatic chair jack system comprising single cell jack elements with a predetermined perimeter shape, featuring a perimeter chamber and central chamber, flow control stringers, and fasteners, allowing controlled air flow and multi-stage inflation to stabilize and lift patients safely.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If direct caregiver intervention is used to lift a patient, then the patient can be raised from seated to standing position, but both the patient and caregiver are at risk of injury due to instability and improper force distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a pneumatic lifting device as an intermediary between the caregiver and the patient. This device includes a base portion with a first inflatable chamber and a patient-contact portion with a second inflatable chamber, which acts as a mediator to provide stable, controlled support during the lifting operation, eliminating the need for direct manual lifting and thereby reducing injury risks to both parties.
2Ease of operation
If lifting devices such as arm straps are used, then patient lifting is assisted, but larger lifting machines are required and forces are exerted on other joints of the patient
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting device is segmented into distinct functional portions: a base portion with a first inflatable chamber for caregiver positioning and support, and a patient-contact portion with a second inflatable chamber for patient support. This segmentation allows the device to provide targeted support without requiring a large, complex lifting machine, as each portion independently performs its specific function.
3Reliability
If a multi-cell pneumatic jack system is implemented, then controlled force distribution and stable lifting are achieved, but the device structure becomes more complex with multiple chambers and flow control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the base portion with the first inflatable chamber and the patient-contact portion with the second inflatable chamber into a single integrated pneumatic lifting device. This combining allows both chambers to be inflated through coordinated control, providing stable and controlled lifting while maintaining a unified, manageable device structure rather than separate complex components.
4Manufacturing precision
If flow control stringers are added to control air flow rate into chambers, then inflation control precision is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates flow control stringers within the inflatable chambers to create localized flow control regions. These stringers are positioned at specific locations within the chambers to regulate air flow rates into different sections, providing precise inflation control without requiring complex manufacturing processes for the entire device structure.
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 effectively transitions patients from a seated to a standing position with controlled force distribution, minimizing the risk of injury to both patients and caregivers by providing stable and controlled lifting through multi-stage inflation of the pneumatic jack elements.
Implementation Method 1
A multi-cell pneumatic chair jack system comprising single cell jack elements with a predetermined perimeter shape, featuring a perimeter chamber and central chamber
Implementation Method 2
A plurality of flow control stringers are located between the first chamber portion and the second chamber portion. The plurality of flow control stringers are configured to control an air flow rate into each of the perimeter chamber and the central chamber
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B~1C
Figure 2
AI summary
A multi-cell inflatable jack includes a plurality of jack elements. Each of the plurality of jack elements includes a body having a predetermined perimeter shape and defining a perimeter chamber and a central chamber. A valve is coupled to the body and configured to provide air flow to one of the perimeter chamber or the central chamber. A plurality of flow control stringers are located between the first chamber portion and the second chamber portion and are configured to control an air flow rate into each of the perimeter chamber and the central chamber. At least one fastener is formed on the body and configured to attach the jack element to at least one additional jack element in a multi-cell stack.