Sling Rotation Mechanism for Single-Caregiver Patient Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Transferring immobilized patients between a wheelchair and a bed requires at least two caregivers, one to operate the apparatus and another to stabilize the patient, especially in cases of 'max assist transfer' where patients have limited upper body stability and leg strength.
Innovation Solution
A transfer apparatus with a base, primary member, interface member, and multiple attachment members, allowing for a single caregiver to operate a joystick-controlled robotic arm to rotate and tilt a sling, reducing the need for a second caregiver by enabling safe and secure patient transfer between support surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional transfer apparatus is used, then patient transfer can be accomplished, but at least two caregivers are required which increases operational complexity and physical demands
Solution Approach 1:
The transfer apparatus enables a single caregiver to perform patient transfer independently without requiring a second caregiver for stabilization. The device provides self-stabilizing capabilities through its mechanical design, allowing the operating caregiver to control both the lifting mechanism and patient positioning simultaneously through a joystick interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a robotic arm with sling attachment as an intermediary between the caregiver and the patient. This intermediary mechanism handles the physically demanding aspects of patient support and positioning, while the caregiver provides directional control through the joystick, effectively mediating the transfer process.
2Adaptability or versatility
If max assist transfer is performed with conventional apparatus, then patients with limited upper body stability can be transferred, but physical demands on caregivers increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical system of human caregivers supporting patient weight with an automated robotic mechanical system. The robotic arm with actuated sling attachment provides the necessary lifting force and positional control, eliminating the need for caregivers to physically support the patient's weight during transfer.
Solution Approach 2:
The device changes the physical parameters of the transfer process by using a motorized robotic arm to provide controlled lifting forces and positioning. The system adjusts parameters such as lift height, transfer distance, and positioning angle through electronic control, replacing the variable physical effort previously required by human caregivers.
3Ease of operation
If a single caregiver operates the apparatus, then operational complexity is reduced, but patient stabilization becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic transfer apparatus provides self-stabilization capabilities through its mechanical design, allowing a single caregiver to operate the device without compromising patient stabilization. The system automatically maintains patient stability through controlled movement and positioning mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates feedback mechanisms that allow the single caregiver to monitor and adjust patient positioning in real-time through the joystick interface. The system responds to caregiver inputs with precise control movements, ensuring patient stability throughout the transfer process.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for assisting a patient, the apparatus includes: a base, a primary member, an interface member, and three or more attachment members. The primary member is coupled to the base at a coupling end, with the primary member extending along a longitudinal axis from the coupling end to a shoulder. The interface member is an elongate member defining a first axis. The interface member is coupled to the shoulder with the first axis extending transversely relative to the primary member. The three or more attachment members are coupled to the interface member and extendable to extend radially from the interface member. Each of the three or more attachment members is attachable via corresponding attachment elements to a sling. The three or more attachment elements and the interface member are collectively rotatable as a rigid body about the first axis.