Ambulance multi-directional suspension system

Abstract

The multi-directional suspension system of an ambulance cabin is an independent suspension system from the vehicle's main suspension. Due to the high speed of ambulances and their numerous maneuvers to transport patients to hospitals quickly, along with the many potholes and bumps along the way, significant and even severe jolts can be exerted on the patient and those in the cabin. These jolts can potentially cause serious injuries to the patient, especially in traumatic cases where hazardous jolting could lead to spinal damage and other complications. This invention presents a new design for ambulances, featuring a multi-layered and multi-directional suspension system that eliminates jolts affecting the cabin. This system is capable of controlling jolts during hard braking, sudden bumps, and normal jolting, effectively reducing injuries in accidents as well.

Description

Ambulance Multi-directional Suspension System

[0001] Ambulance Multi-directional Suspension System

[0002] This invention pertains to the automotive industry, specifically the manufacturing of equipment and accessories for vehicles, as well as emergency and medical equipment.

[0003] Suspensions of automobiles have evolved and improved together with the other of its systems in response to consumers’ demand for performance and safety. Modern vehicles employ suspension systems perfected over the course of the last 200 years.

[0004] Due to the high importance of maintaining balance and reducing the impact of ambulance movements, research and experiments have been conducted on various suspension systems. Having a modern and advanced suspension system is essential for preventing risks to the lives of patients and their companions.

[0005] Some examples of these suspension systems are as follows : Transport-master, RD975CLP, Air control and Drive suspension.

[0006] Various inventions have also been patented in this field, some examples of which I will list.

[0007] EMERGENCY AMBULANCE HAVING VIRTUAL REALITY FUNCTION (WO2018076642).

[0008] AMBULANCE WITH AN AIR SUSPENSION FOR EFFECTIVELY ABSORBING A SHOCK GENERATED FROM A ROAD, AND ADJUSTING THE REAR HEIGHT OF THE AMBULANCE (KR100855613).

[0009] MEDICAL AMBULANCE POD SYSTEM (WO2017145177).

[0010] The invention of the Ambulance Multi-directional Suspension System focuses on improving the suspension system of ambulances. The main objective of designing this suspension system is to mitigate the risks associated with transporting patients from the accident site to the hospital. When transferring patients who have suffered severe and potentially dangerous spinal trauma, the top priority is the safety and risk-free transport to prevent spinal cord injuries and other hazards. This invention aims to minimize these jolts with a multi-directional suspension system that reduces not only vertical shocks but also horizontal impacts.

[0011] The system consists of three components, each responsible for alleviating a specific type of shock. The first component is based on a hydraulic suspension system designed to reduce jolts caused by potholes and bumps. The second component mirrors this structure but operates horizontally, focusing on mitigating shocks from braking, acceleration, and collisions. Finally, the third component, which is a seismic system, addresses smaller, earthquake-like shocks. Together, these three systems create an invention that significantly minimizes the jolts experienced by ambulances on their route to the hospital.

[0012] This suspension system is specifically designed for ambulances with a separate cabin from the driver's compartment. With some design modifications, it can also be adapted for other types of ambulances. This invention primarily aims to enhance the performance of ambulances, but if successful and feasible, it could also be utilized for personal vehicles.

[0013] One of the main objectives of using ambulances is to transport patients to the hospital as quickly as possible, since every second matters. However, this high speed introduces other problems that can be very dangerous. Severe maneuvers, sudden and hard braking, and harsh impacts with potholes and bumps can be detrimental. For patients who have sustained a physical trauma, excessive motion can be harmful and may even lead to irreversible damage to internal organs.

[0014] The risks posed by these jolts also affect the medical staff accompanying the patient. The intense jolts from the ambulance can result in loss of balance, dropping equipment, and other complications.

[0015] This invention is a multi-directional suspension system designed for the underside and front of an ambulance cabin. In this context, "multi-directional" means that the suspension system operates in various directions. It consists of three different components that function complementarily and overlappingly with one another.

[0016] The first component of this system is a metal plate located between the floor of the vehicle and the third component. This plate fully covers the area beneath the ambulance cabin, and underneath it, the suspension oil systems are positioned. These systems feature automatic oil adjustment in response to bumps, allowing for a controlled transfer of smoothness to the cabin. The arrangement of these springs is designed to support the heavy weight of the cabin, the equipment inside, and the occupants, and they are symmetrically placed beneath the plate. Overall, the first component acts as a foundation for the cabin, effectively managing vertical jolts by controlling the impacts experienced by the cabin when encountering bumps and potholes.

[0017] The second component follows a structure similar to that of the first component, with the difference being that it is installed in the front wall of the ambulance cabin. This component serves as a divider between the ambulance cabin and the driver's cabin, and unlike the first component, which is positioned vertically, it has a horizontal structure. This suspension system, like the first component, utilizes a spring oil feature, and its arrangement must be such that it can withstand the forces exerted by the ambulance cabin, its equipment, and the individuals inside. This component also controls the impacts resulting from multiple and severe braking, rapid acceleration, and head-on collisions.

[0018] The third component has a different structure from the other two parts. This section is inspired by a Japanese earthquake-resistant system known as seismic isolation bearing. This system is designed to reduce and neutralize the impact of earthquake vibrations on a building. This component is a highly miniaturized version of a suspension system inspired by that approach. It is installed above the first component, right at the floor of the ambulance cabin. This part includes three seismic suspension systems located in the initial third, middle third, and final third of the component. It controls smaller vibrations in all horizontal directions and acts as a support for the first and second components, providing a significantly softer experience for the ambulance cabin.

[0019] By combining the functions of these three suspension systems, it is expected that the impact transferred to the ambulance cabin will be minimized. This system is separate from the vehicle's main system, and generally, an ambulance will be equipped with four suspension systems. However, based on experiments to be conducted, it is anticipated that the arrangement and structure of some components of this system may undergo changes that will enhance its overall performance.

[0020] In the ambulances currently operating worldwide, the suspension system used is the same as the original vehicle suspension. If an upgrade is necessary, only the main suspension system is modified. This invention, due to its separate structure from the vehicle's suspension, can serve as a complementary system and significantly improve the overall outcome. Because of this unique feature, it provides a much softer ride for the ambulance cabin.

[0021] On the other hand, this suspension system is multi-directional, meaning it can operate effectively in various directions. The vertical system functions similarly to the vehicle's main suspension, reducing vertical shocks, while the lateral system diminishes linear shocks (such as sudden braking). The seismic system also helps reduce smaller shocks in all directions.

[0022] Another distinguishing feature of this invention is its ability to lessen the effects of collisions within the ambulance cabin. In most accidents, the force exerted on the vehicle causes passengers to be thrown around inside. Due to its multi-directional suspension, this invention can mitigate that force during collisions, thereby preventing more severe injuries.

[0023] One attribute of this invention is its independence from the driver's cabin. Since this system is used exclusively for the ambulance cabin, only the vehicle's main suspension exists for the driver. Therefore, when the driver drives cautiously and generates less motion for themselves, much less motion is transmitted to the ambulance cabin. This aspect can psychologically and behaviorally reduce disruptive shocks without the driver even realizing it.

[0024] To illustrate the structure, arrangement, and functionality of this multi-directional suspension system, four images have been presented. Each image represents the structure of a specific component and the arrangement of that component. By examining and assessing these images, a complete mental picture of how this suspension system operates can be formed.

[0025] Figures 1, 2, and 4 illustrate the arrangement and overall functionality of this system, whiledepicts the structure of the Japanese seismic system.Fig.1

[0026] [Fig-1]provides an overview of the suspension system, depicted from a side angle. In this figure, all three components of the suspension system are visible, and their arrangement is clearly indicated.

[0027] [Fig-2]illustrates the arrangement of oil suspension systems, which will be placed on a metal platform. The layout of these components is designed to distribute the weight of the upper sections evenly, minimizing the pressure exerted on them.

[0028] [Fig-3]illustrates an advanced Japanese system designed to prevent earthquakes. This image also shows the placement and arrangement of its components.

[0029] [Fig-4] Figure 4 illustrates the combined arrangement of a seismic and a hydraulic suspension system placed side by side. As can be seen, the seismic system is positioned on top of the hydraulic one.

[0030] In, an overview of the ambulance is visible. Section 1 is the ambulance cabin, and Section 2 is the driver's cabin. As mentioned, this suspension system has three main components. The first component, marked with number 6 in the image, is the suspension located at the floor of the ambulance. This component is responsible for controlling the vertical movements of the ambulance cabin under road bumps and potholes.

[0031] Section number 6 connects to the main floor of the ambulance (number 3), and this connection facilitates the interaction between the wheels and the ambulance cabin. It is also connected to a metal sheet (number 4) on top, which is responsible for separating the first and third components. This sheet serves as the boundary between the vertical oil suspension system and the seismic system.

[0032] Component number 5 is part of the second suspension system, which is a horizontal hydraulic suspension system. This suspension system is located between the ambulance cabin and the driver's cabin, connecting on one side to the rear wall of the driver's cabin and on the other side to the front wall of the ambulance cabin. Its function is to reduce horizontal shocks, specifically the shocks that occur during heavy braking, rapid accelerations, and even in the event of accidents.

[0033] Lastly, number 4, titled the "Seismic Suspension System," is inspired by advanced earthquake-resistant systems from Japan that are utilized in building infrastructure. These systems reduce shocks and vibrations caused by earthquakes, protecting buildings from damage. Its structure consists of several layered metal sheets, filled with a special material in the gaps between them, which provides flexibility and adaptability during seismic activity. In this invention, a scaled-down version of this system is used, designed to reduce smaller tremors while supporting two other components of the suspension system.

[0034] also shows an overall view of how the oil suspension systems are arranged. In this layout, the systems are symmetrically positioned to evenly distribute weight and force among all of them. With this arrangement, one can expect minimal impact and vibration to be transmitted to the ambulance cabin, both horizontally and vertically.

[0035] displays an accurate structure of the seismic system. In this system, metal plates (number 10) are interconnected and secured through a central core (number 9). These two components form the main framework, with empty spaces between the plates filled with a specific material (such as cement in construction) (number 11). The entire assembly is covered with a soft yet durable shell (number 12). There are also metal sheets (number 13) at the top and bottom, which facilitate connections to other components. The operation of this system is such that any impulse generated at the lower plate is flexibly transmitted throughout the system, effectively reducing the impact. In a way, this system acts as an insulator against seismic transmission.

[0036] Finally, we have Figure 4, which illustrates the arrangement of component 1 and 3. From bottom to top, it shows: number 15 (the main base of the ambulance connected to the wheels), number 16 (the hydraulic suspension system), number 17 (the metal sheet between component 1 and 3), number 18 (the adapted and downsized seismic systems), number 19 (the sheet between the seismic system and the ambulance cabin), and number 20 (the ambulance cabin). This layered arrangement presents the foundation of the ambulance.Examples

[0037] This invention consists of three main components. Two of these components, which include the lower and horizontal suspension systems, are of the oil-spring type, while the third part is seismic.

[0038] In the first phase, this invention requires a thorough assessment by experts. The number and size of the suspension systems in each section must be customized based on the weight of the ambulance, the location of use, and the type of ambulance model. This phase is critically important, as the performance of this structure can vary significantly across different ambulances, and even in the city where it is utilized. To achieve optimal performance, it must pass various evaluation criteria.

[0039] The second phase, following the expert assessment, is the preliminary design stage. During this stage, preliminary drawings for integrating the structure into the ambulance should be created with the help of specialized designers. These designs must be such that they do not fundamentally alter the overall appearance of the ambulance and can incorporate the system within the vehicle with minimal distortion, ensuring that the primary functionality of the system remains intact.

[0040] In the third phase, prototypes of this suspension system must be produced to advance to testing and initial evaluations. At this stage, smaller-scale models of the actual device will be assessed, allowing us to identify and address any fundamental issues.

[0041] In the fourth phase, after addressing fundamental issues, a prototype is designed in full-scale dimensions. Before using the initial prototype in an ambulance, it is evaluated against necessary standards, such as shock control, weight tolerance, and impact resistance, to resolve any major deficiencies.

[0042] In the fifth phase, the final prototype is placed on a test ambulance, creating a simulation of the ambulance environment. This prototype must meet its designated standards and pass all tests with an acceptable score. The tests conducted at this stage closely resemble real-world scenarios and include severe braking, bumps, sharp turns, light collisions, and more.

[0043] Finally, after achieving satisfactory scores in all designed tests, this system will be installed in various ambulances based on the type of ambulance and its mission location, where it will be utilized.

[0044] This invention can be utilized in the construction of safer and more comfortable ambulances. The target audience for this invention includes automobile manufacturers, and after the development of this product and its application on ambulances, a new generation of ambulances can be introduced to the market. Additionally, this invention can be used in the creation of newer generations of suspension systems, enabling its application not only in ambulances but also in personal vehicles.

[0045] https: / reycogranning.com / suspensions / categories / ambulances /

[0046] https: / www.autotrainingcentre.com / blog / history-car-suspension-systems-interested-auto-mechanic-training /

[0047] https: / patentscope.wipo.int / search / en / result.jsf?_vid=P12-LZWXZX-32581

Claims

It is asserted that there is a multi-joint independent suspension system that is installed on the cabin in multiple layers and directions, comprising three main sections that utilize spring and elastic force to reduce momentum.According to Claim 1, this system is a combination of a spring oil suspension system and an anti-vibration seismic system.According to claim number 1, the three main components of this suspension system include the vertical suspension system at the base of the vehicle, the horizontal suspension system in the front wall of the ambulance cabin, and the seismic suspension system in the space between the vertical suspension and the ambulance cabin.According to Claim 3, the vertical suspension system includes an oil spring system positioned on a metal plate at the bottom of the vehicle.According to Claim 3, the horizontal suspension system includes an oil spring system, which is placed on a metal plate located in the wall between the ambulance cabin and the driver's cabin.According to Claim 3, the seismic suspension system is a much smaller version of the seismic earthquake protection system used in Japanese buildings. It is positioned between two metal plates, located between the vertical suspension system and the lower wall of the ambulance cabin.According to Claim 3, the vertical suspension system allows movements in the X axis, the horizontal suspension system permits movements in the Y axis, and the seismic suspension system enables movements in both the X and Z axes.According to Claim 1, this multi-joint suspension system is separate from the vehicle's main suspension and separates the ambulance cabin from the driver's cabin.

Images