Retractable Gurney Restraint for Rapid Patient Securing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing adjustable straps for gurneys or stretchers are not retractable and require manual tightening, which is inefficient and time-consuming, especially in emergency medical situations.
Innovation Solution
A retractable safety restraint system with a retractor mechanism that allows adjustable straps to be easily extended and retracted, featuring a buckle system and a coiled strap storage for quick installation and removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual tightening is used for adjustable straps, then the straps can be secured to the gurney, but the process is inefficient and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The retractor mechanism automatically tightens the strap by retracting the excess length, eliminating the need for manual tightening operations. The spring-loaded reel self-adjusts to maintain proper tension as the patient is positioned or moved
Solution Approach 2:
The strap system transitions from a static fixed-length strap to a dynamic retractable strap that can automatically adjust its length. The retractor mechanism allows the strap to extend when needed and automatically retract to maintain tension, providing adaptive securing
2Ease of operation
If fixed adjustable straps are used, then the straps can be attached to the gurney, but they cannot be quickly removed or adjusted
Solution Approach 1:
The retractable strap mechanism allows quick extension and retraction of the strap without manual adjustment. The operator simply pulls to extend and releases to retract, eliminating complex manual tightening and adjustment procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The strap system is designed to be easily detached from the gurney attachments. The modular design allows quick separation of the strap portions from the gurney mounting points, enabling rapid removal when the patient transfer is complete
3Reliability
If non-retractable straps are used, then the straps provide secure restraint, but they cannot be neatly stored or quickly deployed
Solution Approach 1:
The retractable mechanism maintains constant tension on the strap to ensure secure restraint while allowing rapid deployment. The spring-loaded reel automatically engages to maintain proper tension once extended, ensuring reliable patient security without compromising ease of use
Solution Approach 2:
The excess strap length is stored coiled within the retractor housing when not in use. This nested storage configuration keeps the strap neatly contained and ready for immediate deployment, eliminating the need to manually coil or store loose strap ends
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
Provides a secure, adjustable, and time-efficient means to restrain patients on gurneys or stretchers, ensuring a snug fit and easy operation, crucial in emergency medical scenarios.
Implementation Method 1
The body portion of the retractable strap is stored in a coiled manner within the retractor
Implementation Method 2
The retractor is designed to permit a user to pull the male buckle portion and unwind the body portion of the retractable strap
Data Source
AI summary
A retractable safety restraint generally comprising a first strap portion, a second strap portion, a buckle, a retractor, and a retractable strap that can be used to securely hold patients on a gurney or stretcher. The retractable design promotes secure and snug holding of a patient. The retractable safety restraint can be temporarily connected to any rail or similar portion of a gurney or stretcher.