Portable confinement apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing portable confinement devices for individuals with sleep issues are unstable and difficult to access, making them challenging to use effectively for ensuring safety and ease of movement.
Innovation Solution
A portable confinement apparatus featuring a flexible enclosure with a frame of elongate resilient members, including base and bridge members securely integrated into the enclosure, and multiple closable openings for easy access, along with a mattress-receiving pocket and stabilisation system to enhance stability and portability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a portable confinement device with a frame and canopy is used, then portability is improved, but stability deteriorates due to independent movement of frame and canopy components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the frame and enclosure into a single integrated structure where the enclosure is secured to the frame members. This merging eliminates the independent movement between components while maintaining portability, as the unified structure moves as one stable unit rather than separate unstable parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The enclosure is pre-secured to the frame members at specific locations before use. This preliminary securing action ensures that when the device is assembled and moved, the components remain firmly attached and do not shift independently, thereby maintaining stability during transport and operation.
2Reliability
If bed enclosures are built around an existing bed, then safety and containment are improved, but mobility deteriorates making it problematic to move the enclosure
Solution Approach 1:
The enclosure is divided into modular sections that can be easily assembled and disassembled. The frame consists of separate base members and bridge members that can be quickly connected and disconnected, allowing the safe enclosure to be moved from one bed to another without requiring permanent installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The enclosure transitions from a static, fixed structure to a dynamic, reconfigurable one. The frame members can be adjusted and repositioned to fit different bed configurations, and the entire structure can be collapsed or disassembled for transport, maintaining safety while enabling mobility.
3Ease of operation
If multiple access points are provided in the enclosure, then ease of access is improved, but structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Access openings are strategically positioned at specific locations on the enclosure where they are most needed for patient care activities. Rather than providing uniform access throughout, openings are placed locally at head, side, and foot positions to match typical care requirements, simplifying the overall structure while maintaining ease of access where necessary.
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 provides a stable, robust, and easily accessible confinement solution that can be used on various surfaces, allowing for comfortable and safe containment of individuals, with features like telescopic members and a stabilisation system preventing tipping, facilitating easy handling and transportation.
Implementation Method 1
a frame formed of elongate resilient members, the frame having at least two base members arranged parallel to one another at a pre-determined distance
Data Source
AI summary
A portable confinement apparatus having an enclosure for confining a person upon a mattress. The enclosure is formed of a flexible material having a base face, at least four side faces and a roof which define a void, with a pocket for the mattress. A frame has four base members arranged in a rectangle with two bridge members, arranged over the base members. At least part of each base member is integrally secured to the base section and at least part of each bridge member is integrally secured to the roof section. The enclosure is provided with at least two closable openings on different sides. An opening may extend into the roof section. Support struts and a stabilisation system are also described to increase stability and prevent tipping. Members may be telescopic to increase the portability of the apparatus.