Patient Rotation Device With Roller-Assisted Bed Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing patient rotation systems are difficult and potentially injurious for both patients and caregivers, particularly when transitioning between bed positions, necessitating improved methods for safe and efficient patient rotation.

Innovation Solution

A patient rotation device comprising an armature and patient engagement assembly with a rotational member that facilitates rotation by attaching to a bed or patient slider device, utilizing a rotational assembly with an axle and cylindrical member to maneuver patients through sheet manipulation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual patient manipulation is used to rotate patients on a bed, then the device complexity is low, but the ease of operation deteriorates and injury risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of patient rotationVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a rotational member (roller) as an intermediary element between the patient and the bed. This roller acts as a mediator that facilitates patient rotation by providing a smooth surface for the patient to roll over, reducing friction and making rotation easier while minimizing direct manual manipulation by caregivers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical system of caregivers directly lifting and rotating patients with a mechanical device system comprising a rotational member and engagement assembly. This substitution automates the rotation process, reducing physical effort and injury risk while improving ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If multiple caregivers manually manipulate a patient for rotation, then the device complexity remains low, but the reliability of safe patient handling deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesafety of patient handlingVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the unreliable manual mechanical system of multiple caregivers with a controlled mechanical device system. The device provides consistent, controlled rotation through the engagement assembly and rotational member, eliminating the variability and potential for error inherent in manual manipulation by multiple people.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The rotational member enables the patient to be rotated with minimal external intervention. Once the engagement assembly is positioned, the system facilitates self-contained rotation through the mechanical advantage provided by the roller, reducing the need for multiple caregivers and improving handling reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If traditional manual methods are used for patient rotation, then the device complexity is low, but the productivity of patient care deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveefficiency of patient rotationVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces inefficient manual rotation methods with a mechanical device that provides controlled, smooth rotation. The engagement assembly and rotational member work together to facilitate patient movement efficiently, reducing the time and effort required for rotation while improving overall productivity in patient care.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The rotational member serves as a mediator that accelerates the patient rotation process. By providing a low-friction surface and mechanical advantage, it enables faster, smoother rotation compared to manual methods, thereby improving the productivity of patient care activities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Enables safe and efficient patient rotation by minimizing manual effort, reducing injury risk, and allowing controlled positioning on hospital beds or similar structures.

Implementation Method 1

The rotational member rotates about the axle, with the axle being perpendicular to the elongated body.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical rotation: Axle

Data Source

PatentUS12433806B2Patient rotation device

Publication Date: 2025.10.07 PATIENT CO LLC

AI summary

A patient rotation device including an armature and a patient engagement assembly. The armature is structurally configured for attachment to an outside structure. The armature has a first end and a second end spaced apart from the first end. The patient engagement assembly includes a housing and a rotational assembly. The housing is attachable proximate the second end of the armature. The rotational assembly includes an axle and a rotational member. The rotational member is rotationally coupled to one of the housing and the armature, and structurally configured to be being positionable over a surface of a bed. Methods are also disclosed.