Transfer Belt with Thigh Straps for Patient Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current patient transfer devices are inadequate for safely and efficiently moving individuals with restricted mobility, often causing injuries to both patients and caregivers due to lack of proper support and stability, especially during transitions between seated and standing positions.
Innovation Solution
A manual transfer belt with adjustable thigh straps and handles that secures around the waist and legs, providing a stable connection and support system to distribute the patient's center of gravity, allowing for safe transfers between various positions without the need for lifting or complex positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a simple transfer belt is used, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability is worsened because it does not fully secure the patient during transfer
Solution Approach 1:
The transfer belt is divided into multiple functional segments: a waist band for upper body support, individual thigh bands for each leg to prevent sliding, and interconnecting straps to link all components. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function independently, ensuring comprehensive patient security while maintaining ease of operation through modular design.
2Reliability
If a firm securing belt is used, then reliability is improved, but object-affected harmful factors worsen because it slides up the patient's chest
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the securing function into distinct segments (waist band for upper support, thigh bands for lower anchoring), the system prevents the sliding problem that occurs with single continuous belts. The thigh bands specifically anchor the lower body to counteract upward sliding forces.
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the belt system are designed with locally optimized properties: the waist band provides firm upper body securing, while the thigh bands provide lower body anchoring. This local differentiation ensures firm securing where needed without causing harmful sliding in other areas.
3Device complexity
If manual transfer assistance is provided, then device complexity is reduced, but object-generated harmful factors increase due to unsafe lifting practices
Solution Approach 1:
The segmented design with separate waist and thigh bands allows caregivers to maintain manual transfer simplicity while eliminating unsafe lifting practices. The bands distribute support forces across different body parts, preventing harmful compression of the brachial plexus and providing proper trunk support without complex mechanical devices.
Data Source
AI summary
Described is a transfer belt for assisting transportation of an individual. The transfer belt includes a waist band, a pair of thigh bands, each thigh band configured to be secured around a leg of the individual; and a pair of interconnecting straps, each interconnecting strap connecting a thigh band with the waist band. A bridge strap connects the pair of thigh bands to one another to enhance stability of the individual during transportation. The transfer belt supports the patient's center of gravity, in both a seated or standing position, to allow for a transfer from a seated position to a standing position without adjusting the device.