Transfer Docking Indicators for Visible Lock Engagement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current transfer systems in patient care environments lack clear indication of engagement or disengagement, leading to inefficiencies and hazards during patient transport, as caregivers struggle to determine if equipment is securely locked in place, especially when components are misaligned.
Innovation Solution
A transfer system with a housing featuring docking cups and a security mechanism, accompanied by visible indicators that show lockable engagement status, ensuring users know when the receiver is securely engaged, thus preventing accidental disconnection and facilitating safe transport.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a transfer device is used to support equipment during patient transport, then equipment stability is improved, but it becomes difficult to determine whether the receiver is properly engaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs color-coded indicators (red/green flags or lights) that change appearance based on engagement status. When the receiver is properly engaged with the docking cup, the indicator displays a safe color (e.g., green); when disengaged or improperly engaged, it displays a warning color (e.g., red). This allows caregivers to immediately determine engagement status without inspecting internal mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides immediate visual feedback through indicators that automatically respond to the engagement state of the receiver. The feedback mechanism includes mechanical linkages or sensors that detect whether the receiver is properly seated in the docking cup and translate this information into visible signals for the operator.
2Reliability
If the transfer device housing encloses the security mechanism, then device safety is improved, but visibility of engagement status deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces indicator flags or lights as intermediary elements that bridge the enclosed security mechanism and the external environment. These indicators are positioned on or near the housing and provide visible information about the internal engagement status without requiring the housing to be opened or the mechanism to be exposed.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution moves the engagement information from the internal mechanical dimension to an external visual dimension. Instead of requiring direct observation of the mechanical engagement components inside the housing, the system projects this information to the external surface through indicators that can be seen from a distance and at various angles.
3Device complexity
If caregivers manually check engagement without indicators, then device complexity is reduced, but transport efficiency deteriorates due to time-consuming verification
Solution Approach 1:
The transfer device performs self-verification through automatic indicators that continuously display the engagement status without requiring manual intervention. The system essentially checks itself and communicates its state to the operator, eliminating the need for caregivers to manually inspect engagement mechanisms while maintaining simple operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The automatic feedback system provides continuous information about engagement status, allowing caregivers to quickly verify proper connection without time-consuming manual checks. This feedback mechanism maintains simple device operation while dramatically improving transport efficiency by reducing verification time.
Data Source
AI summary
A transfer system can include a receiver; and a transfer device including: a housing comprising a first docking cup and a second docking cup, each of the first docking cup and the second docking cup configured to receive and lockably engage the receiver; a security mechanism positioned inside the housing and configured to engage with the receiver through either of the first docking cup and the second docking cup; and a pair of indicators coupled to the security mechanism and at least partially visible from outside the housing, each of the pair of indicators configured to indicate to a user of the transfer system that the receiver has been lockably engaged with one of the first docking cup and the second docking cup.