Sling Fastener Layout for Compact Storage and Identification

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional slings used in lift systems for patients with limited mobility are difficult to store and organize due to their slick surfaces and lack of sufficient fastening means, leading to unraveling and difficulty in identification and retrieval when needed.

Innovation Solution

The design incorporates fasteners and a storage pocket with a stiffening insert to secure the sling in a folded configuration, along with a transparent storage bag for easy identification and organization, ensuring the sling remains compact and accessible.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If slings are stored without fastening means, then they are simple to manufacture and store, but they unravel and are difficult to organize and retrieve

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage and retrievalVSAvoidfastening mechanisms
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sling is divided into functional sections with fasteners positioned at specific locations to secure different portions of the sling body, creating organized segments that prevent unraveling while maintaining manufacturing simplicity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The sling includes self-contained fastening features that allow the sling to secure itself during storage without requiring external fastening mechanisms or additional equipment, enabling easy organization and retrieval

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of operation

If slings have slick surfaces for patient comfort, then patient comfort is improved, but storage and organization become difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage and organizationVSAvoidslick surface
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Fasteners are positioned and configured in advance on the sling body to automatically engage and secure the sling in a folded state, preventing the slick surface from causing storage difficulties while maintaining patient comfort

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Area of stationary object

If slings are stored in a compact folded configuration, then storage space is reduced, but access and identification become more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage spaceVSAvoididentification and access
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The sling incorporates color-coded identifiers or visual markers that remain visible even when folded and stored, enabling quick identification and retrieval while maintaining compact storage configuration

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

Data Source

PatentEP4702957A1Sling fasteners for secure storage
Publication Date: 2026.03.04 LIKO RES & DEV
  • EP4702957A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4702957A1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP4702957A1 patent drawingFigure 2C~2D

AI summary

A sling for supporting a subject is disclosed herein. The sling includes a body, one or more loops extending from the body, a first fastener coupled to a first portion of the body, and a second fastener coupled to a second portion of the body. The first fastener and the second fastener cooperate to enclose the one or more loops by selectively securing the first portion of the body to the second portion of the body in a folded configuration.