Typical Overhead Hoist System Scenarios & Solutions

Ceiling track hoist systems all have the same purpose; to provide a safe, accessible solution when transferring people to and from various locations. We often find that when we’re specifying hoist systems for multiuser environments, certain scenarios and issues come up that need resolving to give patients and residents the best care possible.

Here are a few issues with hoist track clashes that we deal with regularly, and the solutions we use.

Hoist Track Clashes with Curtain Rails

It’s like a dramatic newspaper headline, but when you’re installing overhead hoist systems in a place like a hospital ward with multiple beds, there are often curtain rails in place as well. As you can imagine, this doesn’t really work out well when you’ve either got a hoist unit that cannot pass through a curtain or a curtain that cannot be closed because the hoist tracking is in the way.

We’ve tackled this issue multiple times before, and we’re sure that we’ll tackle it again! We use an innovative Curtain System, which is fitted into the hoist track at the precise location that allows both the hoist and the curtains to be used simultaneously. You can see in the image below how our Curtain System is shaped to facilitate the patient’s privacy and accessibility with no hassle at all.

Transferring from a X-Y to a Straight Track

This is another scenario that comes up very often when we’re talking with architects and specifiers — is it possible to transfer from a H-frame/X-Y system to a straight track? And how is it done?

Well, there is a way to link these systems together, and we most commonly use it when going through a doorway. In a typical X-Y to straight track connection, the transit coupling will be fitted to either the end of the traverse rail on the X-Y or the end of the straight track. This will stop and secure the rail, connecting the 2 systems together to allow the hoist unit to move between them.

This solution can also be used to connect one X-Y system to another. The transit coupling would be installed on one of the traverse rails of the systems and would lock to the other traverse rail to facilitate a safe transfer.

Read about how transit couplings can be used to connect hoists between rooms.

Going in a Different Direction on a Straight Track

So what happens if you’re wanting a straight track ceiling hoist system, but need to move on to a different rail going in a different direction? This is a common item for discussion when specifying hoists in multiuser environments. You want to be able to offer hoist capabilities throughout the facility with the option to share the hoist unit between areas and rooms.

There are a couple of things we can do to help with this. The first option is a track switch; this works like train track switch and connects the hoist systems to different tracks with different locations. We often fit these in bathrooms where a straight track system is needed to cover more than one area of the room; i.e., over the toilet, bath, and changing table. This gives carers the opportunity to move freely and easily with no hassle.

Another solution for this issue is a turntable. If you’ve got a straight track system and need to switch on to another rail running perpendicular to the one you’re on, or you have restricted space to turn the hoist unit in, a turntable is the answer. This is like a little roundabout that is installed in the hoist system allowing the user to rotate and transfer on to different systems.