Seated Patient Positioning Pad With One-Way Glide Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Caregivers face difficulties in positioning patients with limited mobility in seated positions and maintaining them there, as existing apparatuses fail to prevent sliding and falls, and do not adequately address pressure ulcers.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus with a cushioning member, a bottom sheet, and a top sheet featuring a selective gliding assembly that resists forward sliding while allowing rearward movement, combined with straps for easy manipulation and a movement limiting mechanism for temporary stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a patient with limited mobility is pushed or pulled backward in the chair to be seated in the proper position, then the patient can be positioned correctly, but this causes strain on the caregiver
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a positioning device with a glide assembly as an intermediary between the patient and the caregiver. The device includes a bottom sheet connected to the chair and a top sheet that can slide over the bottom sheet, allowing the caregiver to easily reposition the patient without direct physical strain by using the sliding mechanism instead of manually pushing or pulling the patient
2Reliability
If existing apparatuses are used to position patients in chairs, then some positioning support is provided, but they fail to prevent sliding and falls
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by incorporating a resistance mechanism that prevents forward sliding before it can cause harm. The glide assembly is designed to resist movement in the forward direction (toward the front of the chair) while allowing rearward movement, proactively preventing patients from sliding forward and falling off the chair
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning device acts as an intermediary layer between the patient and the chair, providing a controlled interface that allows necessary movement while preventing harmful sliding through the resistance mechanism built into the glide assembly
3Adaptability or versatility
If patients are placed in chairs for extended periods, then their mobility needs are addressed, but pressure ulcers can develop
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics by allowing the top sheet to slide rearwardly on the bottom sheet, enabling patients to adjust their position dynamically while seated. This movement capability prevents prolonged static pressure on the same body areas, reducing the risk of pressure ulcer development while maintaining seated support
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
Facilitates safe and comfortable positioning of patients, reduces caregiver strain, and minimizes the risk of falls and pressure ulcers by ensuring patients remain seated and upright.
Implementation Method 1
a selective gliding assembly positioned between the top sheet and the bottom sheet and configured to resist sliding of the top sheet in a forward direction relative to the bottom sheet and to permit sliding of the top sheet in at least a rearward direction relative to the bottom sheet
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus is configured for use with a chair having a supporting surface, and includes a cushioning member adapted to be placed above the supporting surface, a bottom sheet connected to the cushioning member and having an engagement surface opposite the cushioning member, a top sheet having a bottom surface positioned in confronting relation to the engagement surface and a top surface opposite the bottom surface, and a selective gliding assembly positioned between the top and bottom sheets. The top sheet has at least one end connected to the bottom sheet, and the top sheet further has a slip resistant material positioned on the top surface. The selective gliding assembly includes engagement members positioned on the engagement surface and on the bottom surface of the top sheet, and the engagement members engage each other to resist forward sliding of the top sheet and to permit rearward sliding of the top sheet.