Segmented Patient Support Surface with Articulatable Cavities
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current patient support systems for transport apparatuses, such as emergency cots or stretchers, lack effective pressure redistribution and migration prevention, leading to discomfort and risk during patient handling.
Innovation Solution
A segmented patient support surface with articulatable sections, featuring multiple layers of cushioning materials and a pre-formed bottom cover with cavities joined by hinges, providing customizable pressure distribution and reducing patient migration through varying stiffness and wedge designs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single-layer cushioning surface is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the pressure redistribution capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patient support surface is divided into multiple independent cavities (first cavity, second cavity, third cavity, fourth cavity) arranged in a segmented pattern. Each cavity contains its own cushioning material and can be independently adjusted or positioned, allowing differentiated pressure distribution across different body regions while maintaining overall structural simplicity through modular repetition.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the patient support surface are provided with different cavity configurations and cushioning material properties. The segmented design allows each cavity to be optimized for specific pressure redistribution needs, with varying depths, shapes, and material characteristics tailored to local anatomical requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If articulatable sections are added to the patient support surface, then the adaptability to different positions is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patient support surface is divided into multiple independently articulatable sections or segments. Each section can be independently adjusted between different positions (e.g., elevated or lowered), allowing the surface to adapt to various patient positions and requirements without requiring a complete structural redesign, thus managing complexity through modular independence.
Solution Approach 2:
The patient support surface incorporates dynamic articulation mechanisms that allow sections to move between fixed and adjustable positions. This enables the surface to transition adaptively between different configurations (e.g., flat, elevated, angled) to accommodate varying patient needs while using controlled mechanical movements rather than complex reconfigurable structures.
3Reliability
If multiple layers of cushioning material are used, then the pressure redistribution capability is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The multi-layer cushioning system is segmented into separate cavities with distinct cushioning material layers. Each cavity can be manufactured or assembled as an independent unit, allowing precise control of each layer's thickness, position, and properties without requiring extremely tight tolerances across the entire complex structure, thus reducing overall manufacturing precision requirements through modular assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
Different layers of cushioning material are positioned at specific locations within each cavity to provide differentiated pressure distribution. The segmented design allows each layer to be optimized for its specific function (e.g., pressure distribution, support, comfort) with localized precision requirements rather than uniform high precision across the entire multi-layer structure.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of securing a pediatric patient to a patient transport apparatus includes providing an adult harness, coupling the adult harness to the patient support and the frame, providing a pediatric restraint assembly, and coupling the pediatric restraint assembly to the adult harness wherein the pediatric restraint assembly moves with the adult harness.