Rotational Transfer Platform With Locking Walker Frame
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Solution Overview
Problem
The transport of immobile patients from one location to another poses risks of injury to both the patients and caretakers, as existing methods heavily rely on manual handling, which is unsafe and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A rotational transfer platform system with a platform rotatably connected to a base, featuring a walker frame that can transition between expanded and collapsed states for use and storage, and a locking mechanism to secure the platform in various radial positions, facilitating safe and efficient transfer of individuals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual handling methods are used to transport immobile patients, then the system complexity is low, but the safety and reliability of patient transport deteriorates due to high risk of injury to patients and caretakers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a transfer platform as an intermediary device between the patient and the destination (bed, wheelchair, etc.). This platform serves as a mediator that enables safe patient transfer without requiring direct manual handling by caretakers, thus improving safety while maintaining reasonable system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical handling system with a mechanical transfer platform system. The platform uses mechanical components (rotating mechanism, locking mechanism, walker frame) to automate and safe-guard the patient transfer process, eliminating the need for caretakers to physically support and move the patient
2Productivity
If a rotational transfer platform system is implemented, then the safety and efficiency of patient transfer is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional mechanical components
Solution Approach 1:
The transfer platform is designed as a universal device that can transfer patients to multiple destinations (beds, wheelchairs, chairs, etc.). The platform's rotating capability and adjustable walker frame allow it to adapt to various transfer scenarios, improving efficiency across multiple applications while consolidating what would otherwise require multiple specialized devices
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates dynamic elements including a rotating platform that can change orientation, a walker frame that transitions between expanded and collapsed states, and a locking mechanism that selectively locks rotation. These dynamic features enable the device to adapt to different transfer requirements, improving efficiency while the modular design keeps complexity manageable
3Ease of operation
If the walker frame is kept in expanded state for use, then the ease of operation for patient support is improved, but the storage space and portability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The walker frame is designed as a dynamic structure that can transition between expanded and collapsed states. When expanded, it provides full support for patient safety; when collapsed, it minimizes storage volume. This dynamic capability resolves the contradiction between ease of operation and storage requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The walker frame is segmented into multiple sections that can be collapsed relative to each other. This segmentation allows the frame to maintain its functional support structure during use while compacting into a small volume for storage and transport
4Ease of operation
If the platform rotation is freely movable, then the ease of operation for positioning is improved, but the safety and stability deteriorates due to unintended rotation
Solution Approach 1:
The rotation locking mechanism is designed as a dynamic system that transitions between locked and unlocked states. During patient transfer, the mechanism locks the platform at desired orientations to prevent unintended rotation and ensure stability. When positioning adjustments are needed, the mechanism unlocks to allow free rotation. This dynamic control resolves the contradiction between ease of positioning and stability
Data Source
AI summary
A rotational transfer platform system which aids in transferring an immobile individual from one location to another. The rotational transfer platform system generally includes a platform which is rotatably connected to a base which is adapted to rest on the ground. A walker frame extends from the upper surface of the platform to aid in securing any individual standing on the platform. The walker frame may be adapted to transition between an expanded state for use and a collapsed state for transport or storage. A locking member may be utilized to selectively lock rotation of the platform with respect to the base in one of a plurality of different radial positions to ease with transferring an individual from one location to another.