Ambulance Cot Drop Frame Maneuverability in Confined Spaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ambulance cots face difficulties in maneuvering within confined spaces with obstacles due to limited range of motion, making it challenging to navigate through spaces with furniture like tables, chairs, and desks.
Innovation Solution
A multi-level roll-in cot with a drop frame that can be raised and lowered to various positions, featuring a stable wheeled undercarriage, positionable back and leg supports, and a latching mechanism allowing the drop frame to be positioned in extended, upper middle, upright, and collapsed configurations, enhancing maneuverability and ergonomics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the cot is lowered to navigate through obstacles, then maneuverability through cluttered spaces is improved, but the operator still faces difficulties in confined spaces with furniture
Solution Approach 1:
The drop frame is designed to be dynamically adjustable between extended and retracted positions. When navigating through obstacles, the drop frame can be lowered to extend the cot's reach. When in confined spaces with furniture, the drop frame can be raised to reduce the cot's profile. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between maneuverability and adaptability to different spatial constraints.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the geometric parameters of the cot by adjusting the drop frame position. By varying the extension position of the drop frame, the effective length and height of the cot are modified, allowing optimization of maneuverability in cluttered spaces versus adaptability in confined spaces with obstacles.
2Ease of operation
If the drop frame has a limited range of motion, then the structure remains simple, but maneuvering through cluttered spaces becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The cot is segmented into a main frame and a separate drop frame assembly. The drop frame can be independently positioned relative to the main frame, allowing it to be extended for maneuvering through obstacles or retracted for navigating tight spaces. This segmentation enables enhanced maneuverability without requiring complete redesign of the entire cot structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The drop frame incorporates a telescopic mechanism with locked positions that allows dynamic adjustment between extended and retracted states. This dynamic capability provides a wider range of motion for maneuvering through cluttered environments while maintaining structural simplicity through discrete locked positions rather than continuous adjustment mechanisms.
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
The improved cot design provides a wider range of motion and enhanced ergonomics, allowing easier navigation through cluttered environments and improved handling when elevated or lowered, facilitating safer and more convenient patient transport.
Implementation Method 1
a drop frame rotatably mounted to the cot frame. The drop frame is positionable in an extended position, and at least one position above the extended position
Implementation Method 2
a stable wheeled undercarriage
Implementation Method 3
undercarriage having wheels
Data Source
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AI summary
A multiple level elevating cot adapted to be rolled into emergency vehicles, the cot having a wheeled undercarriage supporting a cot frame having a leading end and a trailing end, and adapted to selectively secure the cot frame in a plurality of elevational positions. The cot frame includes an improved drop frame having a wider range of motion to a cot construction. The cot frame is also provided with patient support features, such as positionable back, leg, and side arm supports.