Sling Support Assemblies with Pivot Joints for Patient Morphology Adaptation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing person lift systems lack adaptability to fit individuals with varying morphologies, particularly those with large upper body girth or weight distribution, leading to inefficient patient handling and potential strain on caregivers.

Innovation Solution

A sling support assembly with a pivot joint connecting side frames to a middle frame, allowing for adjustable positioning of sling coupling mechanisms to accommodate different patient morphologies, reducing torque forces and preventing strap twisting.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed rigid frame is used in the sling support assembly, then the structural strength is maintained, but the adaptability to different patient morphologies deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to different patient morphologiesVSAvoidstructural strength

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The sling support assembly incorporates a pivot joint that enables dynamic adjustment of the side frames relative to the middle frame. This allows the frame geometry to be modified according to different patient morphologies while maintaining structural integrity through the rigid frame members and secure pivot connection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If the side frames are made adjustable to fit different patients, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadjustability to patient morphologyVSAvoidframe structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The frame is segmented into distinct components: a middle frame and two side frames that can be independently adjusted. The pivot joint serves as a simple connection mechanism that enables adjustment without requiring complex actuation systems, motors, or control mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of operation

If the sling coupling mechanisms are positioned fixedly, then the manufacturing precision is maintained, but the ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of sling fittingVSAvoidsling coupling position precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The side frames can be adjusted to different positions and locked at selected angles, allowing the sling coupling mechanisms to be positioned optimally for each patient. The pivot joint provides stable positioning at any selected angle, maintaining precise sling coupling placement while enabling operational flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS10835435B2Sling support assemblies

Publication Date: 2020.11.17 LIKO RES & DEV

AI summary

A sling support assembly is configured to be moved by a lift assembly. The sling support assembly includes a frame and a plurality of sling coupling mechanisms configured to removably couple a sling to the sling support. At least a portion of the frame is movable to selectively change the spatial relationship of the plurality of sling coupling mechanisms.