Patient Positioning Apparatus with Sliding Bearing Unit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Medical operators face significant strain when repositioning patients on medical patient support apparatuses, particularly when transitioning between sitting and horizontal positions.
Innovation Solution
A positioning apparatus with a sliding bearing unit and dual bearing regions is used to actively assist patient repositioning, minimizing operator effort by providing stable and adjustable support, which can be retrofitted onto existing patient support apparatuses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual repositioning of patients is performed by medical operators, then patient positioning can be achieved, but the physical exertion and strain on medical operators increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a positioning apparatus with bearing units as an intermediary device between the patient and the medical operator. The apparatus includes a first bearing unit that contacts the patient support apparatus and a second bearing unit that contacts the patient, creating a mechanical intermediary system that facilitates repositioning without requiring direct manual lifting or pushing by operators
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning apparatus utilizes the bearing units to counterbalance and distribute the patient's weight during repositioning operations. The sliding bearing unit allows the apparatus to support the patient's weight through rolling or sliding contact, effectively counteracting the gravitational force that would otherwise require significant operator effort to overcome
2Ease of operation
If a positioning apparatus is added to assist patient repositioning, then operator effort is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning apparatus is segmented into distinct functional units: a sliding bearing unit for movement along the patient support apparatus, a first bearing unit for supporting the apparatus on the patient support surface, and a second bearing unit for contacting and positioning the patient. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, simplifying the overall design and making the system easier to understand and operate despite adding functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning apparatus incorporates dynamic elements including a sliding bearing unit that enables movable support on the patient support apparatus, and bearing units that can adapt their position and orientation during patient repositioning. This dynamic capability allows the apparatus to adjust to different patient positions and support apparatus configurations without requiring complex fixed structures
3Stability of the object's composition
If a positioning apparatus is designed with multiple bearing regions for stable patient support, then positioning stability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing unit is divided into at least two distinct bearing regions: a first bearing region that provides support on the patient support apparatus and a second bearing region that assists in patient positioning. This segmentation allows each region to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall system simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The bearing unit is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it provides stable support for the positioning apparatus on the patient support apparatus, enables patient positioning assistance, and maintains stability during repositioning operations. The first and second bearing regions work together to achieve these multiple objectives without requiring separate independent systems
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 solution reduces the physical exertion required for patient repositioning, ensures stable and secure positioning, and allows for economical retrofitting of existing systems, while maintaining compatibility with medical imaging equipment.
Implementation Method 1
The sliding bearing unit (201) has at least one sliding bearing element (2011) that is arranged on the at least one first bearing region (203)
Data Source
AI summary
A positioning apparatus configured to actively assist the support, positioning, or support and positioning of a patient on a patient support apparatus is provided. The positioning apparatus includes a sliding bearing unit to allow the positioning apparatus to be supported in a movable manner on the patient support apparatus, and a bearing unit with at least two bearing regions. At least a first of the at least two bearing regions is configured to support and/or provide support on the patient support apparatus, and at least a second of the at least two bearing regions is configured to assist the positioning of the patient.