Swivel Backboard Strap Clip for Quick Release Under Contamination
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing strap clips on backboards used for transporting emergency medical patients are difficult to remove, especially when they are covered in blood and other bodily fluids, hindering the easy sliding of the backboard out from under the patient.
Innovation Solution
A quick-release backboard strap clip design featuring a main loop with a pivot mechanism, handle paddles, and a spring system that allows for easy disengagement by squeezing the handle paddles along a specific path, enabling quick release and reattachment without interfering with the strap attachment loop's orientation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional speed clips are used to attach straps to backboard, then the attachment is secure and reliable, but the clips are extremely difficult to remove especially when covered with blood and bodily fluids
Solution Approach 1:
The clip is divided into two separate halves (first clip half and second clip half) that can be independently manipulated. The first clip half remains attached to the backboard while the second clip half can be easily removed by squeezing the handle paddles, allowing the strap to be released without removing the entire clip mechanism from the backboard.
Solution Approach 2:
The clip incorporates a dynamic release mechanism where the handle paddles can be squeezed to force the second clip half open from the first clip half. This dynamic action allows easy removal of the second clip half while maintaining the structural integrity and attachment of the first clip half to the backboard.
2Reliability
If traditional speed clips are used, then the strap can be securely fastened, but the clip is not accessible and covered with blood and bodily fluids making removal difficult
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the clip into two halves, the design allows the first clip half to remain attached to the backboard (potentially contaminated) while the second clip half with the handle can be easily removed and cleaned or replaced, reducing exposure to contaminants for the user.
Solution Approach 2:
The second clip half acts as an intermediary between the user and the contaminated first clip half attached to the backboard. The user interacts with the clean second clip half via the handle paddles to release the strap, avoiding direct contact with the contaminated first clip half.
3Productivity
If the clip mechanism is made easy to remove, then the backboard can be quickly extracted from under the patient, but the attachment security may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The segmentation allows the first clip half to maintain secure attachment to the backboard while the second clip half provides easy release capability. This ensures the attachment remains reliable during patient transport while enabling quick removal when needed for backboard extraction.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic release mechanism maintains secure attachment under normal conditions while allowing rapid release when the handle paddles are squeezed. This dynamic behavior enables both secure fastening during transport and quick extraction when necessary.
4Ease of operation
If a pivot mechanism with spring is used for easy release, then the clip can be quickly opened, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pivot mechanism connects the two clip halves, allowing the second clip half to pivot open when the handle is squeezed. This segmented pivot design provides quick release functionality while keeping each individual component relatively simple in structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring automatically returns the second clip half to its closed, latched position against the first clip half after being opened. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for additional actuators or complex control systems to reset the clip, maintaining simplicity while enabling quick release.
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 effortless and hygienic removal of the backboard strap system, allowing for smooth extraction of the backboard from under the patient, even in challenging conditions, with continuous 360-degree swivel for comfort and non-binding fit.
Implementation Method 1
a spring which holds the first clip half and the second clip half together
Implementation Method 2
a pivot point which pivots the first clip half and the second clip half
Implementation Method 3
a sliding guide which is held within the main loop which provides physical protection for the spring as well as structural stability of the main loop
Implementation Method 4
a handle section which forces a pair of handle paddles together along a handle squeeze path
Data Source
AI summary
An Easy Release Backboard Strap Clip is a stab lock type of clip mounted to a swivel. The clip may be squeezed to open the pads of the clip. The clip is utilized in a backboard in conjunction with backboard straps to retain, secure and restrain a patient being transferred into and out of an emergency medical vehicle. The clip provides an easy means of opening and closing the clip.