Reconfigurable Stretcher Deck With Multi-Purpose Air Support

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Solution Overview

Problem

Healthcare stretchers face challenges in providing both mobility and extended patient support functions, including risk of bedsores and protection from surgical smoke, while adapting to various healthcare facility environments.

Innovation Solution

A stretcher with a reconfigurable patient support surface and integrated blower system, featuring moveable side panels and bolsters to expose surgical accessory rails, and a blower that can direct air or suction for smoke vacuum, ventilation, and microclimate management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the stretcher is designed with a fixed width to provide stable patient support, then patient comfort and support are improved, but access for doctors during procedures is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepatient support stabilityVSAvoiddoctor access

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The stretcher incorporates moveable side panels that can be adjusted between extended and retracted positions. When retracted, the stretcher width decreases to match operating table dimensions, providing doctor access. When extended, the full width is restored for stable patient support during transport.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Duration of action of moving object

If the stretcher is used for extended periods to provide continuous patient support, then patient care continuity is improved, but the risk of bedsores increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepatient support durationVSAvoidbedsore risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The stretcher integrates a powered mattress with inflatable air cells that can be adjusted to distribute patient weight evenly. The system includes a blower that inflates and deflates these cells dynamically, reducing pressure points and preventing bedsores during extended use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

Solution Approach 2:

The blower system serves multiple functions: it powers the air cells for bedsore prevention, provides surgical smoke evacuation, and enables microclimate management. This multi-functionality allows extended patient support without compromising skin health.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the stretcher is equipped with multiple specialized systems for extended patient care, then patient care capability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepatient care functionalityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The blower is designed as a universal component that powers multiple systems simultaneously: it provides air pressure for the powered mattress, drives surgical smoke evacuation through dedicated ports, and enables microclimate control. This single component performs what would traditionally require multiple separate systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines previously separate functions (mattress power source, smoke evacuation, microclimate control) into a single integrated blower system. The moveable side panels are also merged with surgical accessory rails, combining structural support with surgical functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Reliability

If the stretcher maintains a wide design for patient comfort, then patient support comfort is improved, but mobility and ease of transport are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepatient support comfortVSAvoidmobility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The side panels are designed to be moveable rather than fixed, allowing the stretcher to dynamically change its width. During transport, the panels can be retracted to reduce overall width for easier navigation through corridors and doorways. During patient care, the panels extend to provide full comfort.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 patient access during surgeries and reduces bedsores risk through adaptable design and integrated systems for smoke protection and environmental control, maintaining mobility and functionality across healthcare settings.

Implementation Method 1

a blower, and at least one valve to direct air or suction from the blower through the support surface

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAir flow:

Implementation Method 2

at least one valve to direct air or suction from the blower through the support surface to at least one of a surgical smoke vacuum inlet

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSuction: Suction

Implementation Method 3

As patients spend more extended periods of time on a stretcher... supporting patients during procedures

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAir pressure: Pressure Increase

Data Source

PatentUS12533271B2Stretcher having reconfigurable deck and mattress and multi-purpose air source

Publication Date: 2026.01.27 HILL ROM SERVICES INC

AI summary

A stretcher for transporting a patient includes a frame, and a patient support surface positioned on the frame. The frame includes a center section extending along a length of the frame. At least one side panel is positioned adjacent the center section. The frame also includes at least one surgical accessory rail.