Turn Sheet System for Single-User Patient Turning
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current patient turning systems are inefficient, costly, and often require multiple caregivers, failing to address the needs of bedridden patients effectively, particularly in preventing pressure ulcers and urinary/fecal incontinence, and are not suitable for home use due to bulky infrastructure requirements.
Innovation Solution
A turn sheet system comprising a bottom sheet and a top sheet with reinforced longitudinal border portions, attached to a lifting device via a boom and attachment hardware, allowing single-user operation to safely and efficiently turn patients, reducing caregiver strain and preventing pressure sores.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual turning by multiple caregivers is used, then patient turning can be performed, but caregiver musculoskeletal strain and injury risk increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a turn sheet as an intermediary device between the caregiver and the patient. The turn sheet is a specialized bedding product with reinforced edges and attachment mechanisms that enables single-caregiver operation while distributing the mechanical load, thereby preventing direct contact between the caregiver and the patient's body during turning maneuvers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical system of multiple caregivers physically lifting and turning the patient with an automated mechanical system. The turn sheet incorporates attachment hardware (such as clips, snaps, or Velcro) that secures the patient to the sheet, allowing a single caregiver to operate a lifting mechanism (manual or automated) to turn the patient without direct manual contact.
2Extent of automation
If current automated turning devices are used, then patient turning is automated, but infrastructure requirements become bulky and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the turning system into two independent components: (1) the turn sheet assembly with integrated attachment hardware that can be attached to the patient, and (2) a simple lifting mechanism that can be manually or automatically operated. This segmentation allows the system to be deployed without requiring complex ceiling rails, motorized beds, or expensive infrastructure, as the turn sheet can be attached to standard bed sheets and a simple lifting device can be used.
Solution Approach 2:
The turn sheet is designed to be self-contained with integrated attachment mechanisms that secure the patient without requiring external infrastructure. The reinforced edges and attachment hardware (clips, snaps, Velcro) are built into the sheet itself, allowing the system to function independently of expensive automated turning beds or ceiling-mounted rail systems.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If air mattress systems are used for turning, then patient pressure relief is achieved, but turning angle is limited to thirty degrees
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic turning mechanism where the turn sheet can be progressively folded and rolled to achieve various turning angles. The attachment hardware (clips, snaps, or Velcro) remains secured during the turning process, allowing the sheet to be dynamically reconfigured from a flat position to a fully rolled position, enabling turning angles greater than thirty degrees while maintaining patient security throughout the maneuver.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for turning a bedridden patient are described. A turn sheet system for turning a patient in a bed includes a bottom sheet having a first length and a first width configured and dimensioned to overlie the bed. A top sheet having a second length and a second width is fixed to the bottom sheet along a location extending intermediate of the second width and along a majority of the second length.