Transfer Assist Board With Off-Center Pivot And Stop Constraints
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing transfer assist devices, such as lazy susan-type apparatuses, are inadequate for safely transferring patients with mobility challenges due to insufficient space for caregivers to provide assistance, lack of a stop feature to prevent over-rotation, and inability to maintain proper body alignment, increasing the risk of patient falls during transfers.
Innovation Solution
A transfer assist board with a pivoting upper foot plate mounted on a base plate from an off-center point, featuring non-skid surfaces, recessed wheels for smooth pivoting, and stop constraints to limit rotation, allowing caregivers to provide support and prevent over-rotation while maintaining patient alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a circular lazy susan type apparatus is used with pivot point in the center, then the device can rotate smoothly, but there is no space for caregiver's feet to stand close to the apparatus and the patient cannot maintain proper body alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by positioning the pivot point off-center on the base plate rather than in the center. This creates an asymmetric configuration where the foot plate rotates around an offset pivot point, providing both smooth rotation and adequate space for caregiver access and patient alignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a rectangular or square plate geometry instead of a circular one, changing the dimensional characteristics of the device. This rectangular configuration with off-center pivot provides linear movement paths and adequate clearance zones that the circular design lacks, enabling proper caregiver positioning and patient alignment.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a lazy susan circular rotation is used, then the device can rotate freely, but there is no stop feature which results in over rotation that complicates the transfer and increases the chances of a fall
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by incorporating stop features that prevent over-rotation before it can occur. The stops are pre-positioned on the base plate to constrain the foot plate's rotation to safe angular limits, counteracting the tendency toward excessive rotation that would compromise patient safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The stop features provide mechanical feedback to the caregiver during the transfer process. When the foot plate approaches the predetermined rotation limit, the stop engages to prevent further rotation, giving immediate tactile feedback that the transfer has reached the appropriate stage and preventing harmful over-rotation.
3Area of moving object
If the foot plate is substantially larger than the base plate, then the patient has more surface area, but the device is too small for the patient to maintain proper body alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses asymmetric positioning of the pivot point relative to the foot plate and base plate dimensions. This asymmetric configuration creates optimal leverage and alignment geometry that allows the patient to maintain proper body alignment during transfer, regardless of the absolute size of the foot plate surface area.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by providing non-skid surfaces on specific areas of the foot plate where the patient's feet will contact. This localized friction enhancement ensures proper foot placement and body alignment without requiring the entire foot plate to be excessively large.
4Stability of the object's composition
If the pivot point is in the center of the base plate, then the rotation is balanced, but there is no space provided for a caregiver's feet to stand close to the apparatus
Solution Approach 1:
The patent deliberately employs asymmetry by offsetting the pivot point from the center of the base plate. This asymmetric positioning creates an unbalanced but functional configuration that provides adequate clearance zones for caregiver foot placement while maintaining sufficient rotational stability for safe patient transfer.
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
The solution reduces the risk of patient falls and enhances caregiver effectiveness by enabling safe and controlled transfers with proper alignment and stability, allowing caregivers to assist closely and prevent over-rotation.
Implementation Method 1
Recessed wheels mounted to the under-side of the foot plate allow the the foot plate to smoothly swivel or pivot around a pivot point and along the upper surface of the base plate
Implementation Method 2
The base plate has a non-skid under-layer and the top surface of the foot plate is also provided with a non-skid surface to inhibit the patient's feet from slipping
Data Source
AI summary
A transfer assist board apparatus to facilitate the transfer of a physically challenged person from one location to another has a foot plate rotably connected to a base plate. The perimeter shape of the apparatus is non-circular and has an indentation to provide a space for a care giver to place a foot to step close to the person to assist the transfer. The base plate provides a stop feature to constrain the rotation of the foot plate.