Shower stretcher
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional shower stretchers for bedridden patients lack flexibility and safety features, particularly in accommodating varying patient sizes and preventing sliding during showering, which can lead to discomfort and increased risk of accidents.
Innovation Solution
A shower stretcher with a flexible platform that adjusts to the patient's shape, incorporating a backrest, seat, and foot sections, along with movable side barriers and handles, to enhance comfort and safety, allowing for easier turning and preventing sliding, especially in the presence of soap and water.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a rigid platform surface is used, then the structural strength and stability are improved, but the patient comfort and ability to conform to body shape deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The platform is divided into multiple independent slats rather than a single rigid surface. Each slat can move independently to conform to the patient's body contours while maintaining overall structural integrity through the frame and slat arrangement.
Solution Approach 2:
The platform uses flexible slats that can bend and conform to the patient's body shape. These slats are thin enough to be flexible yet strong enough to support patient weight, resolving the contradiction between rigidity and comfort.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid platform surface is used, then the structural stability is improved, but the ease of patient turning and positioning deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The segmented slat design allows the platform surface to flex and move locally when the patient shifts position or needs to be turned, while the overall structure remains stable through the rigid frame and proper slat spacing.
Solution Approach 2:
The platform transitions from a static rigid surface to a dynamic flexible surface that can adapt its shape in response to patient movement, facilitating easier turning and positioning while maintaining structural stability.
3Reliability
If fixed side barriers are used, then the patient safety is improved, but the adaptability to different patient sizes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The side barriers are made movable rather than fixed, allowing them to be adjusted to different heights and positions. This enables the barriers to adapt to various patient sizes while still providing safety when raised to prevent sliding during showering.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustable side barriers serve multiple functions: they can be raised to prevent sliding for smaller patients, lowered to accommodate larger patients, and positioned to provide safety for different body types, making the system universally applicable.
4Ease of manufacture
If a flat platform design is used, then the manufacturing simplicity is improved, but the patient comfort and sliding prevention deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The platform is constructed from multiple identical or similar slat components rather than a complex custom-shaped surface. This segmentation simplifies manufacturing while the collective arrangement of slats creates the necessary contouring capability for patient comfort.
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 flexible platform and adjustable side barriers provide improved comfort and safety for patients by conforming to their shape and preventing sliding, facilitating easier patient handling and access for caregivers, while accommodating patients of various sizes.
Implementation Method 1
at least part of the platform surface is flexible to conform more closely to the shape of the person lying thereon
Data Source
AI summary
A shower stretcher assembly (10) includes a frame (22) which supports a platform (20) consisting of three mattress support panels (50-54), and a headboard (16) and foot board (18). The support panels (50-54) define a back rest section (30), a seat section (31) and a foot section (32). The seat section (31) is of flexible material to more closely conform to the shape of a person lying thereon. The stretcher assembly (10) is provided with side barriers (68) at each head and foot end, the side barriers (68) arranged to move between a raised vertical position, a raised position extending outwards from the frame, and a lowered position in which they lie alongside the frame so as to be below the level of the mattress of the stretcher. The side barriers present substantially vertical walls to accommodate a water-resistant mattress with side walls (28).