Patient Rotation Sling with Central Fulcrum Axis
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for proning individuals are physically demanding, time-consuming, and require multiple caregivers due to the labor-intensive process of repositioning them using repositioning sheets, which is not efficient for medical and rehabilitation purposes.
Innovation Solution
A sling system with a central support section, superior and inferior support sections, and straps with end loops for coupling to a lift mechanism, allowing the sling to be folded about a central axis that acts as a fulcrum for rotating the individual about a midaxillary line, reducing the need for multiple caregivers and enhancing ease of use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional repositioning sheets and manual rotation methods are used, then individuals can be repositioned for proning, but the process becomes physically demanding and requires multiple caregivers
Solution Approach 1:
The sling is divided into distinct functional sections: a head section, a torso section, and a leg section, each designed to support specific body parts. This segmentation allows the device to distribute the individual's weight across multiple points, reducing the physical effort required for repositioning while maintaining structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The sling acts as an intermediary device between the individual and the caregivers. By positioning the sling underneath the individual and using it as a leverage point, caregivers can rotate the individual with minimal effort, transforming a physically demanding task into a simple mechanical operation.
2Productivity
If manual rotation techniques are used, then individuals can be repositioned, but the process becomes time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The sling is pre-positioned underneath the individual before the repositioning operation begins. The head section is placed under the head, the torso section is positioned under the torso, and the leg section is placed under the legs. This preliminary setup eliminates the need for complex maneuvers during the actual rotation, allowing caregivers to simply lift and rotate the sling with the individual, significantly reducing the time required for repositioning.
3Ease of operation
If repositioning sheets are used for manual rotation, then individuals can be proned, but the method is labor intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The sling is designed to distribute the individual's weight evenly across three main support points (head, torso, and leg sections), creating a balanced system where the center of gravity is optimally positioned. This equipotential distribution of weight allows caregivers to rotate the individual with minimal force, as the sling naturally balances the load during the rotation process.
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
The sling system enables efficient rotation of individuals with reduced physical effort, allowing a single caregiver to manage the process, thereby improving safety and reducing the time required for proning, which is beneficial for respiratory issues and pressure ulcer management.
Implementation Method 1
a central axis that bisects the superior support section, the central support section, and the inferior support section such that the sling is foldable about the central axis, the central axis acting as a fulcrum for rotating the individual about a midaxillary line of the individual
Data Source
AI summary
Slings for rotation of individuals are disclosed herein. In various embodiments, a sling includes a central support section supporting at least a torso of the individual, a superior support section disposed along a first side of the central support section, an inferior support section disposed along a second side of the central support section opposing the superior support section, and straps extending from each lateral side of the central support section. The superior support section includes an anterior support flap and a posterior support flap, and at least a portion of the posterior support flap is separated from at least a portion of the anterior support flap. A central axis bisects the superior support section, the central support section, and the inferior support section such that the sling is foldable about the central axis, and the central axis acts as a fulcrum for rotating the individual.