Pump Apparatus with Hose-Mounted Switch for Bedside Patient Transfer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing air supply pumps for patient transfer mattresses are bulky, pose tripping hazards, require caregivers to move away from the patient for operation, and lack features for maintaining attention on the patient and preventing contamination.

Innovation Solution

A hose-mounted switch and pump configuration with a compact design, allowing the switch to be located near the patient, along with a hose cover and wheels for mobility, to facilitate safe and contamination-free operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a long hose is used to connect the pump to the transfer mattress, then the pump can be placed away from the patient area, but the switch being on the pump body requires the caregiver to move away from the bedside, diverting attention from the patient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveswitch accessibilityVSAvoidcaregiver attention on patient

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The switch is separated from the pump body and mounted on the hose itself, creating an independent control element that is positioned closer to the bedside while the pump remains in a convenient location for the caregiver

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Area of stationary object

If the pump is placed away from the patient area to avoid obstruction, then floor space is cleared, but the hose becomes longer and may pose tripping hazards

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefloor space availabilityVSAvoidtripping hazard

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The pump is equipped with wheels that enable it to be easily moved and repositioned, allowing the device to be dynamically adjusted to clear floor space while keeping the hose length manageable and reducing tripping hazards

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Volume of moving object

If the pump body is made compact, then floor space is reduced and tripping hazards are minimized, but the switch mounting location becomes more constrained

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepump sizeVSAvoidswitch location flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The switch is extracted from the pump body and mounted on the hose, allowing the pump to be made compact while the switch remains accessible at a convenient location along the hose length

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 caregiver safety by keeping attention focused on the patient and reducing contamination risks, while minimizing space occupation and tripping hazards.

Implementation Method 1

a pump configured for moving air

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPumping: Pump

Data Source

PatentUS12611046B2Pump apparatus and associated system and method

Publication Date: 2026.04.28 SAGE PROD LLC

AI summary

A pump apparatus includes a pump configured for moving air, a housing supporting the pump, and an air output hose in communication with the pump. The housing further includes a rest for retaining a portion of the air output hose. The rest forms a u-shape having two side walls and a valley therebetween.