Retractable Sheet Strips Preventing Floor Contamination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Sheet assemblies with adjustable straps in care facilities face issues of contamination, trip hazards, and entanglement when not in use, as the straps can come into contact with the floor or become entangled with equipment and objects.
Innovation Solution
A sheet assembly design featuring a sheet with a pocket and adjustable webbing, where loops are anchored to the webbing, allowing them to be retracted into the pocket when not in use, reducing exposure and preventing hazards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the straps are extended beyond the sheet edge for use, then the functionality for moving subjects is improved, but the risk of contamination, trip hazards, and entanglement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic strap system where the exposed length of the straps can be adjusted between extended and retracted positions. The adjustment webbing allows caregivers to extend the straps when needed for moving subjects and retract them when not in use, transforming the static strap configuration into a dynamic one that adapts to operational needs, thereby reducing contamination and trip hazards while maintaining functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a nesting mechanism where the adjustable straps can be retracted into a pocket or storage compartment integrated into the sheet assembly. When not in use, the straps are nested within the sheet structure, eliminating their exposure to the environment and preventing contact with the floor or surrounding objects, thus resolving the contradiction between functionality and hazard prevention.
2Ease of operation
If the straps are left exposed when not in use, then accessibility for caregivers is improved, but entanglement with equipment and objects increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable strap system allows dynamic control over strap exposure. Caregivers can extend the straps to accessible positions when needed for operation and retract them to minimal exposure positions when not in use, creating a dynamic balance between accessibility and entanglement prevention rather than maintaining a fixed exposed state.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the straps from their traditional permanently exposed configuration and implements a mechanism where they can be taken out (extended) only when needed and returned to a retracted state otherwise. This extraction from the constant exposure state eliminates the continuous risk of entanglement while preserving accessibility on demand.
3Reliability
If the straps are made longer for better subject coverage, then the effectiveness in positioning subjects is improved, but the likelihood of contact with the floor increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic length adjustment for the straps, allowing them to be extended to sufficient lengths for effective subject positioning when needed, and then retracted to shorter exposed lengths when not in use. This dynamic adjustment maintains the reliability benefits of longer straps while eliminating the continuous risk of floor contact associated with permanently extended straps.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs preliminary action by providing straps of sufficient length for effective subject positioning, but using the adjustment mechanism to retract them to appropriate lengths before they could contact the floor. This preliminary retraction action prevents floor contact and contamination before they can occur, while maintaining the capability for full extension when needed for positioning.
Data Source
AI summary
A sheet assembly includes a sheet having an edge and a pocket extending longitudinally along the edge. A plurality of loops are arranged along the edge and extend from openings formed in the pocket of the sheet. An adjustment webbing is slidably positioned within the pocket. At least a portion of each loop of the plurality of loops is anchored to the adjustment webbing such that sliding the adjustment webbing along the pocket pulls the plurality of loops into the pocket and reduces an exposed length of the plurality of loops