Docking-Cup Transfer Housing With Vertical Lift Anti-Dislodging Lock

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current medical equipment transfer systems are inefficient, costly, and pose safety risks during patient transport due to the lack of standardized components, complex mechanisms, and inadequate infection control, often requiring extensive staff training and resulting in accidental dislodging of equipment during transfers between stationary and mobile platforms.

Innovation Solution

A clamshell housing-based transfer device with standardized, simpler components that securely locks life support equipment to either stationary or mobile platforms using a vertical lift mechanism, allowing seamless transfer and minimizing the risk of dislodging, while being intuitive and cost-effective with reduced maintenance needs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If equipment support structure is moved from stationary to mobile platform using vertical lift mechanism, then transfer efficiency is improved, but safety risk increases due to potential accidental dislodging

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransfer efficiencyVSAvoidequipment security

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The security mechanism applies preliminary anti-action by using gravity-activated latches that automatically engage to prevent dislodging before it can occur during transport

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides beforehand cushioning through redundant security features including primary latches, secondary latches, and interlocking mechanisms that protect against accidental dislodging during vertical lift transfer

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

2Reliability

If multiple caregivers are used to move equipment manually, then safety is improved, but cost and time consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransport safetyVSAvoidstaff time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables self-service through automated security mechanisms that lock and secure equipment without requiring multiple caregivers to manually position and secure items during transport

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Manual mechanical handling by multiple caregivers is replaced with an automated vertical lift mechanism equipped with automatic security latches and interlocking systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If non-standardized components are used in transfer system, then adaptability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem compatibilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The system achieves universality through standardized interface components that can work with various equipment types while maintaining consistent security and transfer mechanisms across different applications

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The transfer system is segmented into modular standardized components including docking stations, security latches, and vertical lift mechanisms that can be manufactured separately and assembled with consistent specifications

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Ease of operation

If equipment is positioned for optimal patient care, then patient care quality is improved, but alignment precision during transfer becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepatient care accessibilityVSAvoidalignment precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary action by pre-positioning the equipment support structure in optimized locations at both stationary and mobile platforms before transfer occurs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The vertical lift mechanism acts as an intermediary that accommodates alignment variations while maintaining optimal equipment positioning for patient care during the transfer process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS9404616B2Secure equipment transfer system

Publication Date: 2016.08.02 NEXXSPAN HEALTHCARE LLC

AI summary

An equipment transfer device is provided that is transferrable from one support to another support. The transport device is formed as a housing that has two spaced apart, generally parallel recesses, which form docking cups that are open to the bottom. Each docking cup is configured to receive a docking cone that is supported on a structure and is capable of moving in generally a vertical direction into engagement or out of engagement with their respective docking cups. A support post is also supported by the housing and protrudes from the upper end thereof as a base to which an equipment support structure is attached. In this manner the transfer device can be transferred from one docking cone to another with minimal handling and virtually no possibility of dislodgement.