Ambulance Cot Loading Device with Self-Aligning Guide Ramps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current loading devices for powered ambulance cots in road ambulances require increased operator attention for correct alignment, leading to safety risks due to variable terrain conditions and potential misalignment during the loading process.
Innovation Solution
A loading device comprising a sliding guide block with approach ramps, an extension arm with automatic locking mechanisms, and a fastening system that ensures precise alignment and secure locking of the ambulance cot, eliminating the need for manual operator intervention by using autonomous locks and a double-action lock system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the cot is placed on the extendable arm with full weight, then the loading process can be completed, but the risk of misalignment and safety hazards increases due to variable terrain conditions and operator attention requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The loading device incorporates self-aligning features including approach ramps that guide the cot onto the extendable arm at the correct angle and position automatically. The system performs alignment functions without requiring operator attention or intervention, eliminating the safety risks associated with manual alignment while maintaining ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The approach ramps act as an intermediary element between the cot and the extendable arm, facilitating smooth and accurate alignment. This intermediary structure guides the cot onto the arm at the correct angle, preventing misalignment and safety hazards while maintaining ease of operation
2Manufacturing precision
If manual operator attention is required for correct alignment, then precise positioning can be achieved, but working time increases and safety risks are heightened
Solution Approach 1:
The loading device performs alignment functions automatically through self-aligning features such as approach ramps and guided entry mechanisms. The system achieves precise positioning without requiring operator attention, thereby reducing working time while maintaining alignment precision
Solution Approach 2:
The approach ramps and guiding structures are pre-configured to automatically guide the cot onto the extendable arm at the correct angle and position before the loading process begins. This preliminary alignment action eliminates the need for manual intervention during operation, reducing working time while ensuring precision
3Productivity
If the cot placement is not precisely aligned, then loading speed may be increased, but safety risks for patient and operator significantly increase
Solution Approach 1:
The loading device automatically ensures precise cot placement through self-aligning features including approach ramps and guided entry mechanisms. This automatic alignment system maintains safety while enabling fast loading operations, as the system performs alignment functions without requiring operator intervention or slowing down the loading process
Solution Approach 2:
The loading device incorporates pre-configured guiding structures and approach ramps that prevent misalignment before it can occur. These protective features are built into the system design, ensuring safe cot placement while maintaining loading speed, as they automatically guide the cot onto the arm at the correct position without requiring additional time or intervention
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
A loading device for a powered ambulance cot (1) comprises a sliding guide block (4), an extension arm (3), a linear guide (2) fixedly mounted in the ambulance floor and a fastening system (5). The ambulance cot (1) is guided in the sliding guide block (4) by a main approach ramp (6), side approach ramps (7) and adjacent surfaces (8) in the longitudinal direction, wherein the blocking the movement of the ambulance cot (1) and the unblocking of the sliding guide block (4) occurs after activation of two autonomous locks (9). The unlocked sliding guide block (4) is further guided to the extension arm (3), where it is fixed by an arm lock (18) in the maximum extension position and unlocked by an arm lock lever (19) with a contact surface (27). The extension arm (3) comprises a lever mechanism (17) controlling the position of a locking axis (16) which is guided into a double-action lock (23) of the ambulance cot (1) by a surface (22). The double-acting lock (23) is unlocked when the lever (40) is pulled. The extension arm (3) is slidably mounted on the linear guide (2), which is firmly mounted in the ambulance floor. After insertion into the ambulance, the ambulance cot (1) is fixed by means of front pins (44) and a rear pin (45) in the fastening system (5), which is also firmly mounted in the ambulance floor. The fastening system comprises a front block (28), a rear block (29), and a coupling pull rod (30). The fastening system is unlocked when the ambulance cot (1) is guided by the movement of a control lever (39) which simultaneously unlocks two spring-loaded locking pins (31) in the front block and two locking blocks (36) in the rear block (29), and where the locking blocks (36) are locked automatically by means of a spring-loaded spacer (37) to guide the ambulance cot with the sliding guide block (4) and the extension arm (3) into the fastening system (5). By subsequent compression of the spring-loaded spacer (37), both locking pins (31) and both locking blocks (36) are unblocked, and thereby locked simultaneously, thereby blocking the movement of the ambulance cot (1) in all directions by the fastening system (5).