Collapsible Stretcher Head Hood with Segmented Panels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical transport stretchers lack effective protection from the elements and privacy for patients, as existing solutions either impede movement, limit ventilation, are difficult to install and remove, or fail to maintain a clean and sterile environment.
Innovation Solution
A collapsible and deployable protective cover for the head section of stretchers, made from a durable and water-repellent Weblon material, with Isinglass windows for visibility, and C-type clamps for easy attachment and removal, ensuring unimpeded movement and easy maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a protective cover is added to provide protection from elements and privacy, then patient privacy and protection are improved, but the working area is impeded and movement is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The protective cover is divided into multiple panels (back panel, side panels, foot panel) that can be independently positioned and adjusted. This segmentation allows the cover to provide comprehensive protection while maintaining access to the working area, as each panel can be configured to optimize both privacy and accessibility needs during patient care operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover incorporates movable and adjustable components including the collapsible/expandable structure that can transition between compact and deployed states, and the adjustable positioning of panels. This dynamic design enables the cover to adapt to different operational requirements, providing full protection when needed while allowing easy access to the patient and equipment when required.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a cover is added to provide protection and privacy, then patient confidentiality is improved, but ventilation is limited
Solution Approach 1:
Different panels of the protective cover can be made from materials with different properties - some panels use opaque water-repellent material for privacy protection while other panels or sections use transparent or translucent materials that maintain visibility and allow air circulation. This local differentiation of material properties enables the cover to provide privacy where needed while maintaining ventilation and visibility in critical areas.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional canvas material is used for the cover, then basic protection is provided, but cleaning and maintenance become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The protective cover uses composite material construction combining water-repellent coated fabric with transparent plastic or vinyl panels. This composite approach integrates materials that are specifically chosen for their ease of cleaning and maintenance properties, allowing the cover to be quickly wiped down and sanitized between patients, unlike traditional canvas which absorbs fluids and requires extensive cleaning.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If the cover is designed to cover the entire flattened stretcher, then maximum protection is achieved, but attachment and removal become complex
Solution Approach 1:
The cover is segmented into separate panels (back panel, side panels, foot panel) that can be independently attached and removed. This segmentation simplifies the attachment and removal process compared to a single large cover, as each panel can be quickly secured to the stretcher frame and just as quickly detached when needed, reducing the overall complexity of the attachment procedure.
Data Source
AI summary
A protective cover for the head section of stretchers and gurneys wherein the stretcher hood is formed by angular cross members, both for the upper and lower framework as well as others which are attached to a hinged connector on each side. The cover is collapsible by moving the uppermost frame back and downwards against the lower most frame, and deployable by moving the uppermost frame upward in the opposite direction.