Transformable IV Pole With Adjustable Base for Stable Transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current patient transportation devices with permanently attached IV poles are cumbersome, cause strain on medical personnel, and increase the risk of accidents and injuries due to the need for repeated transfer and handling of IV equipment, leading to inefficiencies and potential harm to patients.
Innovation Solution
A patient transport device with a wheeled IV pole featuring adjustable wheels that can be widened for stability or narrowed to facilitate easier movement, allowing the pole to be securely attached to patient holding apparatuses like wheelchairs or beds, enabling single-handed operation and reducing ergonomic stress on medical staff.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the IV pole is permanently attached to the patient transportation device, then the IV pole remains stable and in position, but the device becomes bulky and difficult to maneuver
Solution Approach 1:
The IV pole system is divided into separate components: the patient transportation device and the IV pole can be independently moved. The IV pole detaches during transport and attaches only when needed, eliminating the bulk and maneuverability issues of a permanently attached pole while maintaining stability during use.
Solution Approach 2:
The IV pole attachment is made dynamic rather than static. The pole can be quickly attached and detached as needed, allowing the system to adapt between two states: attached for stability during IV administration, and detached for ease of maneuvering during patient transport.
2Reliability
If the IV pole is permanently attached to the patient transportation device, then the IV pole is always available, but constant transfer and re-attachment of IV equipment increases risk of injury and equipment damage
Solution Approach 1:
The IV pole is extracted from the permanently attached configuration and made into a separate, movable component. This eliminates the need to transfer IV bags and pumps between the transportation device and pole, as the pole travels with the patient when needed, reducing the frequency of equipment handling and associated risks.
Solution Approach 2:
The IV pole is pre-positioned and ready for attachment before patient transport begins. This preliminary preparation ensures the pole is available when needed without requiring last-minute attachment maneuvers that increase risk of injury or equipment damage.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a free standing wheeled IV pole is used, then the IV pole can be moved independently, but one hand must be used to push the patient transfer apparatus and another to simultaneously move the IV pole
Solution Approach 1:
The IV pole is merged with the patient transportation device through quick-attach mechanisms that allow the pole to be securely connected when needed. This combination enables single-handed operation during transport while maintaining the option for independent pole movement when attached.
4Stability of the object's composition
If the IV pole base is widened for stability, then the IV pole is more resistant to falling over, but the device becomes bulkier and more difficult to store
Solution Approach 1:
The IV pole base width is made dynamic through collapsible or adjustable legs. The base can be extended to a wider configuration for stability during IV administration, then collapsed to a compact form for easy storage and transport, eliminating the need for permanently large storage space.
Data Source
AI summary
An intravenous (IV) pole having a shaft, a base and at least two legs is provided. Each of the legs has at least one joint wherein each of the legs is pivotably engaged to the shaft. Each of the legs includes at least one wheel. The IV pole further includes a raising mechanism engaged to the shaft; the raising mechanism is constructed to raise the wheels in relationship to the shaft and to a surface. The raising mechanism may have a crank and a rod attached to the crank. When the crank is rotated, a portion of the legs is raised or lowered. The legs of the IV pole may have a first segment and a second segment. The first and second segments are attached to one another with a hinge.