Transfer Device Handle Dynamics for Caregiver Comfort
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing transfer devices with fixedly disposed grasping levers and seated care-receivers face issues of ride comfort and operability, as caregivers and care-receivers may face obstacles or lose sight of the direction of travel, and the devices cannot be easily positioned for side transfers.
Innovation Solution
A transfer device with a support frame, foldable or extendable seat member, and a handle member that can rotate and be locked, allowing caregivers to operate from the back and change the seat and handle positions for improved comfort and accessibility, including a mechanism for automatic seat extension and retraction based on sensor inputs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the grasping lever is fixedly disposed in front of the main frame, then the caregiver can easily grasp it, but the caregiver and care-receiver must face each other during transfer, causing one to turn back in the direction of movement and reducing ride comfort
Solution Approach 1:
The grasping lever is made movable relative to the main frame, allowing it to be repositioned from the front to the rear side of the main frame. This dynamic reconfiguration enables the caregiver to grasp the lever from behind the care-receiver, allowing both to face the direction of travel during transfer, thereby improving ride comfort while maintaining ease of operation.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the grasping lever is disposed behind the main frame, then the care-receiver can face the direction of travel, but the handle member is positioned on the side of the seat portion, preventing side transfers and reducing operability
Solution Approach 1:
The grasping lever is designed to be repositionable between the front and rear sides of the main frame. During side transfers, the lever is positioned at the rear to allow the care-receiver to face forward. During front-to-back transfers, the lever is moved to the front, clearing the seat portion and enabling the caregiver to approach from the side. This dynamic positioning resolves the contradiction between ride comfort and transfer operability.
Data Source
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AI summary
A transfer device comprises a support frame, a seat member, a support member, at least one caster, and a handle member. A care-receiver is configured to be seated on the seat member. The seat member is attached to the support frame and is foldable or extendable. The support member is attached to the support frame. The support member is configured to support an upper body of the care-receiver from front. The at least one caster is provided below the support frame. The handle member is attached to the support member. The handle member is movable in a front-back direction of the support frame and is configured to be grasped by a caregiver during a transfer.