Adjustable Rolling Base Module for Autonomous Medical Transport

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current medical systems in hospitals are not designed for autonomous or semi-autonomous movement, requiring manual transportation which ties up staff and limits their ability to perform other medically relevant tasks.

Innovation Solution

A base module with a chassis featuring adjustable rolling bodies that can rotate about axes of rotation and adjust vertically, combined with an environment detecting module and control module for autonomous or semi-autonomous movement, allowing for voice and gesture control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If manual transportation of medical equipment is used, then staff can transport devices, but staff time is consumed and they cannot perform other medically relevant tasks

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestaff availability for medical tasksVSAvoidstaff time for transportation

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The medical system performs self-translocation autonomously using its integrated base module with drive mechanism, eliminating the need for manual transportation by staff and freeing them for medical tasks

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If complex drive mechanisms like Mecanum wheels are used, then omnidirectional movement is achieved, but device complexity and maintenance requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemovement capabilityVSAvoiddrive mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The drive mechanism is segmented into multiple independently controllable drive units, each with its own drive roller, allowing simplified individual components to achieve complex collective movement patterns including omnidirectional capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The base module with multiple drive units serves multiple functions: it enables autonomous movement, provides stable platform for medical devices, and allows flexible positioning, replacing the need for specialized complex mechanisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple different drive mechanisms are used, then various movement requirements are met, but susceptibility to faults and maintenance requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemovement flexibilityVSAvoidsystem fault susceptibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses homogeneous drive units with identical construction and control characteristics, which reduces fault susceptibility through standardization and simplifies maintenance by eliminating the need to handle multiple different mechanism types

Inventive Principle:

Principle #33Homogeneity

4Extent of automation

If a base module with adjustable rolling bodies is used, then autonomous movement is enabled, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautonomous movement capabilityVSAvoidbase module complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms with electronically controlled drive units that have adjustable rolling bodies, using electronic control to manage complexity while maintaining mechanical simplicity in the rolling body adjustment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS11723824B2Base module, medical system and method for operation of the medical system

Publication Date: 2023.08.15 SIEMENS HEALTHINEERS AG

AI summary

A base module is for a mobile medical system, designed to cover distances autonomously or semi-autonomously. The base module includes a chassis having a plurality of rolling bodies. The rolling bodies are mounted to rotate about axes of rotation and, via adjusting devices, are adjustable in the vertical direction such that each respective rolling body is movable between a first position, in which the respective rolling body is in contact with a floor area, and a second position, in which the respective rolling body is spaced apart from the floor area. A medical system includes a base module of an embodiment. A method for operation of the medical system is also disclosed.