Patient Transfer Table With Retractable Side Plates
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing patient transfer devices face challenges such as limited deployment flexibility, discomfort for patients, instability during transport, and difficulty in cleaning due to counter-rotating belt designs that require clearance space and are not easily adaptable for all orientations or heavy patients.
Innovation Solution
A patient transfer device with a base, support member, and slide assembly that allows the table assembly to adjust its geometry, featuring counter-rotating upper and lower belts, lateral retraction of side plates, and vertical separation of tables to reduce friction and stabilize the patient, enabling comfortable and flexible patient transfer without the need for clearance space under the bed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If counter-rotating, endless belts are used to eliminate friction during patient transfer, then patient comfort is improved, but the device requires clearance space under the bed which limits deployment flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The table assembly is divided into upper and lower tables that can be independently positioned and controlled. The upper table with its belt system can be separated from the lower table, allowing the device to be deployed in settings with limited clearance space while maintaining the friction-reducing belt mechanism during patient transfer.
Solution Approach 2:
The device transitions from a static base structure to a dynamic configuration where the upper table can be raised vertically and the belt system can be activated. This dynamic capability allows the friction-reducing belts to be engaged only when needed for patient transfer, while the device can be stored in a compact form when not in use.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the base extends under the bed to prevent tipping during patient carry, then stability during transport is improved, but clearance space under the bed is required which reduces adaptability
Solution Approach 1:
The support function is segmented from the base to the lower table, which can provide stability during patient transfer without requiring the base to extend under the bed. The lower table acts as an independent support element that can stabilize the device during operation while maintaining a compact overall footprint.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of extending the base horizontally under the bed, the device uses vertical separation between the upper and lower tables to achieve stability. The lower table can be positioned at a lower vertical level, providing a stable base of support without requiring horizontal clearance space under the bed.
3Device complexity
If a thin layer of belt is used between patient and metal support trays, then device complexity is reduced, but patient comfort deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The upper table is equipped with a complete belt system that provides a thick, comfortable layer between the patient and the metal structure. This localized enhancement of belt coverage ensures patient comfort during transfer without requiring the entire device structure to be overly complex or bulky.
Solution Approach 2:
The belt system acts as an intermediary layer between the patient and the metal support structures. By positioning the belt-covered upper table between the patient and the rigid lower table/base, the device provides cushioning and comfort while maintaining structural integrity.
4Ease of operation
If the table assembly is raised off the bed after patient support is established, then ease of transport is improved, but the initial setup becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The table assembly is designed with dynamic height adjustment capability, allowing it to be positioned low for initial patient transfer and then raised vertically for transport. This dynamic positioning simplifies both the transfer and transport phases, while the automated belt system reduces the complexity of coordinating the height adjustment with patient movement.
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 device provides improved flexibility and comfort during patient transfer, maintains stability during transport, and allows for easy cleaning, accommodating patients of various sizes and orientations without the need for additional clearance space.
Implementation Method 1
the portions of the belts that are in contact (between the upper and lower tray sets) move in the same direction at the same rate as they counter-rotate... crawl under the patient without introducing any significant friction
Data Source
AI summary
A table assembly for a patient transfer device has upper and lower tables surrounded by belts which counter-rotate as the table assembly moves between a patient and a supporting surface such as a bed. The table assembly includes integrated means for laterally retracting side plates of the upper table while adjusting incident angles of the side plates and vertically separating the upper table from the lower table. Guide slots in end plates fixed to a slide assembly retain positioning posts attached to ends of the side plates. The slots are inclined upwardly toward a centerline of the table assembly at different angles. A crank moves the side plates using a rotating disk attached to a central frame of the upper table and linkage arms with one end pivotally attached to a peripheral region of the disk and another end pivotally attached to one of the positioning posts.