U-Shaped Transport Frame With Reconfigurable Sling
Solution Overview
Problem
Mobility assistance for disabled, aged, or injured individuals is challenging due to increased difficulty in moving or transferring between locations or positions, often requiring significant strain on caregivers and lacking effective rehabilitation tools.
Innovation Solution
A transport apparatus with a U-shaped frame, bearings, and a sling that supports a person's movement from one position to another, incorporating a lift mechanism to adjust load on appendages, and featuring reconfigurable components for various uses such as walking assistance and therapy during rehabilitation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual transfer methods are used to move individuals between locations or positions, then simplicity and low cost are maintained, but caregiver strain and physical effort increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a transport apparatus as an intermediary device between the caregiver and the individual being transferred. This apparatus includes a frame with bearings that enables smooth movement, a sling system that securely supports the individual, and a lift mechanism that reduces the physical effort required. The intermediary device absorbs the mechanical workload from the caregiver, allowing transfer operations to proceed with minimal strain on the caregiver while maintaining operational simplicity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If fixed-configuration transfer devices are used, then structural stability is ensured, but adaptability to different positions and uses is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic reconfigurability through a sling system that can transition between different configurations. The sling includes a seat portion and back portion that can be reconfigured between an unfolded generally planar configuration for lying down positions and a folded configuration for sitting positions. This dynamic adaptation allows the same structural framework to provide stable support across multiple positions and uses, including transfer operations, walking assistance, and rehabilitation therapy.
3Adaptability or versatility
If simple support structures are used, then ease of manufacture and low cost are achieved, but therapeutic functionality and adjustability are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal transport apparatus that serves multiple functions: transfer between locations, walking assistance, and rehabilitation therapy. The core frame structure with bearings provides the foundation for all functions, while the reconfigurable sling system enables different positioning modes. The lift mechanism adds therapeutic capability by allowing controlled load adjustment on the individual's appendages. This multi-functionality is achieved without significantly complicating manufacturing, as the same basic components serve multiple purposes.
Data Source
AI summary
A transport apparatus includes a base, a sling, and a support frame mounted to the base. The frame is configured to move from a first position relative to the base to a second position relative to the base. The frame includes a U-shaped frame with a lower cross-frame member and vertically oriented spaced side frame members joined with the cross-frame member. The side frame members support arm rests, and the cross-frame member optionally forms a footrest. In another aspect, the frame includes an access opening to allow a person egress and ingress to and from the sling through the frame.