Pump apparatus and associated system and method

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current air supply pumps for patient movement systems are bulky, pose tripping hazards, and divert caregivers' attention from patients, failing to maintain operator focus and prevent contamination in healthcare environments.

Innovation Solution

A portable pump apparatus with a hose-mounted switch, wheels for mobility, and a base for stability, along with a hose cover for sanitation, allowing caregivers to maintain attention on patients while operating the pump safely and hygienically.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a long hose is used to connect the pump to the transfer mattress, then the pump can be placed away from the patient (e.g., outside MRI suites), but the hose creates tripping hazards and interferes with the caregiver's ability to attend to the patient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepump placement flexibilityVSAvoidtripping hazard

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The power switch is extracted from the pump body and relocated to the hose, allowing the pump to be positioned away from the patient while keeping the control interface within the caregiver's reach, thus eliminating the need to physically move away from the bedside

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Ease of operation

If the power switch is located on the pump body, then the pump can be controlled, but the caregiver must physically move away from the bedside, diverting attention from the patient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepump controlVSAvoidpatient safety

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The hose acts as an intermediary that carries both air and the power switch to the caregiver's location, allowing control of the pump without leaving the patient's side, thus maintaining continuous attention on the patient

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If existing pump designs are used, then air supply function is provided, but the pumps do not prevent bacterial or viral contamination of the patient, transfer mattress, or room

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveair supply functionVSAvoidcontamination risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The pump exhaust air, which could potentially carry contaminants, is redirected through the hose to inflate the transfer mattress, converting what could be a contamination risk into a beneficial reuse of the air supply that does not contact the patient

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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

Enhances safety and efficiency in patient care by reducing tripping hazards, maintaining caregiver attention, and preventing contamination through a compact, easily maneuverable pump with integrated sanitation features.

Implementation Method 1

a pump configured for moving air

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPumping: Pump

Data Source

PatentUS10836002B2Pump apparatus and associated system and method

Publication Date: 2020.11.17 SAGE PROD LLC

AI summary

A pumping apparatus includes a pump configured for moving air, a housing supporting the pump, and an air output in communication with the pump. The apparatus further includes a power cord connected to the pump for providing electrical power to the pump and a standing base on a first end of the housing configured to support the pump apparatus in a standing configuration. The standing base includes a base mount configured for receiving and supporting at least a portion of the power cord wrapped around the base mount.