Slingbar Double-Gate Attachment for One-Handed Strap Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lift systems for patients with compromised mobility lack efficient and user-friendly closure elements for sling straps that prevent accidental disengagement during patient transfer, requiring both hands for secure attachment and detachment.
Innovation Solution
The development of slingbar attachment members with innovative closure elements, such as 'Double Gate', 'Swivel Style', and 'Funnel Style', allowing one-handed operation for securing and releasing sling straps, featuring spring-biased gates and actuator wings that maintain secure engagement without additional locking components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional closure elements are used for sling straps, then secure engagement is achieved, but two hands are required for attachment and detachment operations
Solution Approach 1:
The closure element is divided into two separate gates (first gate and second gate) that can be operated independently. Each gate can be opened or closed separately, allowing the user to manipulate one gate at a time with a single hand, thereby enabling one-handed operation while maintaining secure engagement through the coordinated action of both gates
Solution Approach 2:
The gates are designed to be movable between open and closed positions rather than fixed. This dynamic capability allows the closure element to transition between locked and unlocked states, enabling easy attachment and detachment of sling straps while maintaining security during the engaged state
2Reliability
If secure engagement mechanisms are implemented, then accidental disengagement is prevented, but operation becomes more complex requiring both hands
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the closure into two independently operable gates, the system achieves reliable secure engagement (both gates closed) while allowing simple operation (one gate opened at a time). The segmented design breaks down the complex two-handed operation into sequential one-handed actions, improving ease of operation without sacrificing engagement security
Solution Approach 2:
The closure element design allows the user to easily open one gate with one hand to attach or detach the sling strap, then close it, without requiring complex manipulation. The self-service aspect is achieved by making each gate independently accessible and operable, enabling the user to service the attachment without needing both hands or complex procedures
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
Enables secure, one-handed manipulation of sling straps, ensuring patient safety and caregiver convenience by preventing accidental disengagement and allowing hands-free stabilization during patient transfer.
Implementation Method 1
featuring spring-biased gates and actuator wings that maintain secure engagement without additional locking components
Data Source
AI summary
A slingbar includes a sling attachment member. The sling attachment member includes a frame including a base having a top end and a bottom end, and a hook extending from the bottom end to a hook terminus. The hook terminus and the top end of the base define an opening. The hook, base, and opening bound an interior of the attachment member. A closure element includes an outboard gate hinged to the hook terminus and an inboard gate hinged to the base. The gates have a default state in which each gate extends laterally only part way across the opening.