Absorbent Underpad With Integral Handles for Safer Patient Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current patient care devices lack built-in handles, making it difficult and potentially dangerous for caregivers to safely transfer bedbound or chairbound patients, as makeshift grips can lead to slips and injuries.
Innovation Solution
A reusable, washable absorbent under pad with integrated handles, featuring a quilted cotton top layer, an absorbent lining, a non-porous waterproof bottom layer, and a foam layer around handle openings, providing a secure grip for caregivers to maneuver patients safely.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a sheet is used to move or transfer a patient, then the device is simple and readily available, but the grip is poor and the sheet may slip, making it difficult and potentially dangerous
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functions of a transfer aid and an absorbent underpad into a single integrated device. The handles are constructed as part of the underpad structure itself, merging the gripping function with the absorbent function, eliminating the need for separate devices and providing both secure handling and patient protection
Solution Approach 2:
The foam layer acts as an intermediary element between the user's hand and the underpad. This foam intermediary provides enhanced grip security and comfort while transferring the patient, mediating the interaction between the caregiver and the patient through the handles
2Reliability
If built-in handles are added to the under pad, then grip security and transfer safety are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The handles are merged with the underpad structure rather than being separate attachments. The foam layer is integrated between the top and bottom layers, and the handle openings are formed directly in the underpad material, combining multiple functions into a unified structure that reduces overall device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The underpad handles serve multiple functions: they provide secure gripping for transfer, maintain structural integrity of the underpad, and the foam layer within the handles continues to provide absorbency. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components
3Ease of operation
If the foam layer is stitched into all three layers, then handle structure and grip security are improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The foam layer is pre-positioned and stitched into the handle openings before the final assembly of the underpad layers. This preliminary action ensures proper handle structure and grip security while allowing for more efficient manufacturing by establishing the handle configuration early in the assembly process
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
Facilitates safe and efficient patient transfer by providing a secure grip, promoting proper body mechanics and reducing the risk of injuries for caregivers, while keeping the patient dry and preventing moisture from leaking onto bed linens.
Implementation Method 1
a foam layer disposed below the absorbent layer and about a handle opening
Implementation Method 2
an absorbent layer adjacent the top layer
Implementation Method 3
a non-porous waterproof bottom layer disposed adjacent the absorbent layer
Data Source
AI summary
A reusable, washable, absorbent under pad has built-in handles to aid in the transfer and accommodation of bedbound or chairbound patients, for example. The under pad can have at least two handles on each side thereof to facilitate transfer of patients by caregivers and to facilitate proper body mechanics, thereby preventing work related and home injuries by caregivers.