Trauma Gurney Detachable Platform Longitudinal Transfer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional trauma gurneys are inadequate for patient transfers, as they often require lateral movements, which can be risky and unstable, especially during procedures like CPR, and do not support intensive medical treatments or imaging processes effectively.

Innovation Solution

A trauma gurney with a detachable patient platform and a U-shaped frame that allows for direct front approach transfers, supports the patient's center of mass, and is adjustable in height and tilt, enabling safe and stable patient movement without lateral transfers, and accommodating various medical procedures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a conventional trauma gurney is used for patient transfer, then the patient can be transported, but lateral transfers are required which risk further injury to fragile patients and new injury to medical staff

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepatient safetyVSAvoidtransfer difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

A transfer board is introduced as an intermediary device between the gurney and the receiving surface. The board provides a stable, extended platform that allows patients to be transferred longitudinally along the gurney's length rather than laterally, eliminating the need for staff to lift or support the patient during transfer and reducing injury risks to both patient and staff

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The transfer board extends the gurney's functional length, transforming the transfer direction from lateral (side-to-side) to longitudinal (front-to-back). This dimensional change allows the patient to be moved along the gurney's length to align with the receiving surface, eliminating hazardous lateral movements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If a transfer-only gurney is used, then lateral transfers are reduced, but the gurney cannot support monitors and equipment necessary for treating the patient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransfer safetyVSAvoidequipment support capability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The gurney is designed with a universal configuration that combines safe transfer capabilities with full medical treatment functionality. The frame structure supports multiple attachment points for monitors and equipment, while the detachable platform and transfer board mechanism enable safe transfers, making the gurney versatile for both transfer and intensive care functions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Stability of the object's composition

If the gurney frame is designed to support the patient's center of mass, then patient stability is improved, but the frame structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepatient stabilityVSAvoidframe structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The gurney frame employs an asymmetric design where the longitudinal beam is positioned to align with the patient's center of mass rather than being centered under the platform. This asymmetric configuration optimizes stability by directly supporting the patient's weight distribution, while the symmetry is maintained in other aspects like the lateral support structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

4Adaptability or versatility

If a detachable platform is used, then the gurney can be converted for different procedures, but the platform may become detached during intense procedures such as CPR

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocedure flexibilityVSAvoidplatform attachment security

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The platform attachment system is designed to be dynamically adjustable. During routine procedures, the platform is securely attached to the frame. During intense procedures like CPR where platform detachment risk exists, the platform can be detached and the transfer board attached instead, providing the necessary flexibility and security for different procedural requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS20250090400A1Trauma gurney with enhanced patient transfer capabilities

Publication Date: 2025.03.20 UNIV OF UTAH RES FOUND

AI summary

A trauma gurney includes a base connected to a frame by a vertical adjustment mechanism. The base is configured that it can be maneuvered over a receiving table. The frame holds a detachable platform suitable for the positioning of a patient thereon. Actuation of the adjustment mechanism allows the frame to be lowered and the patient platform to be detached. The patient platform is configured to be non-interfering with various procedures such as MRI procedures so the patient platform can remain with the patient after the patient has been transferred without adverse effects to the procedures. The patient platform can also be reattached to the frame after it has been removed. The trauma gurney beneficially allows a patient to be transferred from the gurney to another surface, such as for imaging, without requiring a conventional lateral transfer. Similarly, the trauma gurney allows a patient to be transferred back to the gurney.