Roll-Up Evacuation Sled With Wheels for Single-Caregiver Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing patient evacuation sleds require multiple caregivers for transfer, often cause patient discomfort due to bouncing and hypothermia, and exert excessive pressure on certain body areas, while being costly and difficult to store and maintain.
Innovation Solution
A fold-up patient-evacuation sled with a foam mattress, flexible plastic sheets, and spinal boards equipped with wheel assemblies, featuring straps for secure patient positioning and easy towing, designed for single caregiver operation and compact storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional evacuation sleds are used, then patient evacuation can be performed, but multiple caregivers are required for patient transfer
Solution Approach 1:
The sled is divided into multiple functional layers: a base sled structure, a mattress layer with foam core, and a top sheet layer. This segmentation allows each layer to perform specific functions while collectively enabling single-caregiver operation through improved patient positioning and support.
Solution Approach 2:
The sled employs composite construction combining rigid plastic sheets for structural support, foam material for cushioning and thermal insulation, and flexible straps for patient securing. This composite approach provides both the structural integrity needed for safe evacuation and the comfort required for single-caregiver operation.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional evacuation sleds are used, then patient can be transported, but patient experiences discomfort from bouncing and hypothermia
Solution Approach 1:
A foam mattress layer is positioned between the patient and the sled base before evacuation begins. This foam layer provides cushioning that absorbs bouncing forces during transport and provides thermal insulation to prevent hypothermia, addressing comfort issues before they occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The sled utilizes flexible plastic sheets and foam materials that conform to the patient's body shape, providing continuous contact and support. This flexible construction reduces bouncing and distributes pressure evenly, preventing discomfort during transport.
3Reliability
If rigid supports and straps are used to secure patient, then patient can be held in place, but excessive pressure is exerted on body areas
Solution Approach 1:
The sled employs different materials with different properties at different locations: softer foam material contacts the patient's body to distribute pressure, while rigid plastic sheets provide structural support at the sled frame. This local differentiation of material properties ensures secure patient positioning without excessive pressure on vulnerable body areas.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If evacuation sleds are designed for safety and comfort, then patient care is improved, but cost and storage difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sled is designed as a segmented structure with removable layers including the mattress and top sheet. This segmentation enables compact folding for storage and reduces manufacturing costs by allowing separate production of components, while maintaining safety and comfort features during use.
Solution Approach 2:
The sled incorporates flexible, collapsible sides that can be folded or rolled for compact storage when not in use. This dynamic design allows the sled to transition from a fully extended safe configuration during evacuation to a compact stored configuration, reducing storage space requirements and manufacturing complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Described is a rollup evacuation sled that includes a bottom sheet, a foam mattress disposed above the bottom sheet, and a support sheet disposed above the mattress. A margin stack including the bottom sheet and the support sheet forms a sandwiched margin left side and a sandwiched margin right side. The sled may further include a plurality of spinal boards disposed between the bottom sheet and the mattress in the upper section of the bottom sheet. Wheel assemblies are mounted on each spinal board. The sled further includes a foot pouch coupled to the sandwiched margin left and right sides and dimensioned to substantially enclose feet and calves of a person lying on the support sheet. The foot pouch is configured to store a stack including the bottom sheet, mattress and the support sheet, when the stack is rolled up along a longitudinal direction from the head end.