Torso Enclosure with Orthogonal Straps for Patient Lifting
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for lifting incapacitated individuals are inefficient and uncomfortable, often requiring arm insertion and lacking sufficient stability and gripping options, making them difficult for emergency personnel to use effectively.
Innovation Solution
A torso enclosure with orthogonally-aligned structural straps and detachable strap portions provides multiple gripping positions and stability, allowing for efficient lifting without arm insertion, along with optional leg straps and a cushioned collar for comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional harnesses with arm insertion are used, then the person can be lifted, but the device becomes complex and difficult to apply quickly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the arm insertion requirement from the lifting device, extracting this complex step from the application process. The torso enclosure is designed to be placed over the person's torso without requiring them to put their arms through it, significantly simplifying the application process for emergency personnel.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is segmented into distinct functional components: the torso enclosure, structural straps, detached strap portions for gripping, and optional leg straps. This segmentation allows each component to serve its specific function independently, making the overall device easier to apply and more effective.
2Strength
If traditional harnesses without sufficient structural support are used, then the device is simple, but the stability and strength during lifting is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The structural straps are pre-positioned and affixed to the torso enclosure at strategic locations before the device is applied to the person. These straps create a predetermined strong structural framework that will support the lifting forces, ensuring the enclosure doesn't deform or fail during use.
Solution Approach 2:
The device combines different materials and structural elements - the torso enclosure material, the structural straps material, and their junction attachments - to create a composite system that provides both strength and flexibility. This composite approach allows the device to withstand lifting forces while maintaining comfort and adaptability.
3Ease of operation
If traditional harnesses without multiple gripping positions are used, then the device is simpler, but the ease of operation for emergency personnel is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The strap system is segmented into detached strap portions positioned between junction points, creating multiple distinct gripping positions. These detached portions allow emergency personnel to grasp the device at various locations depending on their size, strength, and positioning needs, significantly improving ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The structural straps serve multiple functions: they provide structural support to strengthen the enclosure, and the detached portions between junction points serve as gripping positions for emergency personnel. This multi-functionality increases ease of operation without adding separate components, balancing simplicity with effectiveness.
4Reliability
If the enclosure slides excessively during lifting, then the device is simpler to construct, but the reliability and effectiveness of the lift is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The restraint system is segmented with separate leg straps that can be independently adjusted and secured. These leg straps work in conjunction with the torso enclosure to prevent sliding, with each component addressing specific movement prevention needs, thereby improving lifting reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The leg straps are positioned and configured in advance to wrap around the person's legs before lifting begins. This preliminary positioning ensures that when lifting occurs, the leg straps are already in place to minimize movement of the enclosure relative to the person, improving reliability without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms during the lift.
5Ease of operation
If no cushioning is provided for forceful engagement, then the device is simpler, but the comfort and ease of operation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
A cushioned collar is incorporated at the upper portion of the torso enclosure to provide cushioning before forceful engagement occurs during lifting. This cushioning element protects the person's neck and upper torso area from discomfort or injury, improving ease of operation and user comfort without significantly increasing device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A lifting system is provided for lifting a person who is incapacitated, where the lifting system includes a torso enclosure that may encase a substantial portion of the person's torso without requiring the person to slip one or both of their arms through the enclosure, and orthogonally-aligned structural straps positioned on the enclosure to stabilize and strengthen the enclosure during use, where portions of the straps are detached between two respective junction points to permit grasping of such straps by others when attempting to lift the incapacitated person.