Slingbar Attachment Closures for One-Handed Secure Strap Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lift systems for transporting patients with compromised mobility lack efficient one-handed operation for engaging and disengaging sling straps from hook-like elements, which complicates the process for caregivers and may lead to accidental release of the patient during transfer.
Innovation Solution
The development of various closure elements for slingbar attachment members, including Double Gate, Swivel Style, Funnel Style, and Automatic Weight Actuated designs, which allow for one-handed operation and secure engagement/disengagement of sling straps, ensuring the straps remain attached during patient lifting and transport.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a closure element is added to the hook-like element to secure the sling strap, then the reliability of patient support is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The closure element is nested within the attachment member structure, with the gate and spring integrated into the hook-like element assembly. This nesting approach allows the closure mechanism to be incorporated without significantly increasing overall device complexity while maintaining security functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded gate mechanism provides automatic engagement and disengagement functionality. When the sling strap is inserted, the gate automatically closes and locks into place. When force is applied to the release mechanism, the gate automatically opens. This self-service mechanism improves reliability without requiring complex manual operation systems.
2Reliability
If a closure element requiring two-handed operation is used, then the security of patient support is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The closure element is segmented into distinct functional components: a gate structure, a spring mechanism, and a release feature. This segmentation allows the complex security function to be achieved through simple, intuitive user interactions. The release feature can be actuated with one hand while the other hand stabilizes the patient or equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded gate acts as an intermediary between the user's simple pulling action and the complex security requirement. The user simply pulls the release feature, and the spring-loaded gate automatically performs the complex sequence of opening, releasing, and resetting, making the system easy to operate while maintaining high security.
3Reliability
If a secure closure mechanism is implemented, then the reliability of patient support is improved, but the time required for engagement and disengagement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring mechanism is pre-loaded during manufacturing or initial setup, storing potential energy that is ready to be converted during operation. This preliminary action ensures that when the user activates the release feature, the gate opens quickly and smoothly without requiring the user to apply sustained force or perform multiple steps, thus reducing engagement time while maintaining security.
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
These closure elements enable caregivers to manage sling straps with one hand, maintaining patient stability and preventing accidental release, thus enhancing safety and efficiency in patient transfer operations.
Implementation Method 1
an outboard spring which biases the outboard gate toward the default state and an inboard spring which biases the inboard gate toward the default state
Data Source
AI summary
A slingbar includes a sling attachment member and an actuating mechanism. The sling attachment member includes a frame, a portion of which defines an opening, the frame and opening defining an interior of the sling attachment member and a closure element. The actuating mechanism includes a cam and a linkage arranged to be driven by the cam and to operate the closure element in response to motion of the cam thereby causing the closure element to block or expose the opening.