Ambulance Stretcher Circular Permutation Guide
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing reception structures in ambulances with stretcher supports fail to maximize space utilization and provide equal accessibility to nursing staff due to limited movement capabilities, particularly in non-flat profiles and restricted translational movement.
Innovation Solution
A reception structure with at least two mobile stretcher supports guided by a closed circuit formed by guide means, allowing circular permutation, where the ends of each stretcher support are fixed via a pivot connection, and equipped with motor-driven mobility and pulleys with flexible links to facilitate simultaneous movement and positioning optimization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If stretcher supports are fixed with pivot connections to connection means guided by rectilinear rails, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the space utilization is poor and accessibility to injured persons is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static rectilinear rail system into a dynamic circular circuit system. The guide means form a closed circuit that allows stretcher supports to move along a circular path, enabling dynamic repositioning of injured persons around the vehicle perimeter for optimal nursing access, while maintaining the simplicity of rail-guided movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from one-dimensional rectilinear movement along straight rails to two-dimensional circular movement along a closed circuit. This dimensional change allows stretcher supports to access multiple positions around the vehicle, improving nursing accessibility without complicating the basic rail-guided mechanism.
2Device complexity
If stretcher supports move only in rectilinear translation along rails, then the device complexity is low, but the space utilization and accessibility are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system evolves from static rectilinear rails to dynamic circular guide means. The circular circuit allows stretcher supports to traverse the entire perimeter of the vehicle, maximizing space utilization and providing multiple access points for nursing staff while maintaining relatively simple rail-based guidance.
Solution Approach 2:
The circular guide means serve multiple functions: they guide movement, define the circulation path, and enable positioning at various locations around the vehicle. This multi-functional design improves space utilization and accessibility without proportionally increasing device complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If guide means form a closed circuit enabling circular permutation, then accessibility to all injured persons is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple rectilinear rail segments into a single continuous circular circuit. This consolidation allows one unified guide means structure to provide comprehensive accessibility around the vehicle, reducing the number of separate components needed while achieving superior nursing access.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide means are configured as a curved circular circuit rather than straight lines. This curvature enables the stretcher supports to follow a continuous path around the vehicle, providing omnidirectional accessibility while the circular geometry naturally integrates the guide means into the vehicle structure.
4Productivity
If the structure accommodates maximum number of wounded, then the productivity is improved, but the accessibility to each injured person decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The circular permutation system dynamically repositions stretcher supports around the vehicle perimeter. This dynamic capability allows nursing staff to access any injured person at any location, maintaining ease of operation even when multiple wounded are accommodated, as the system can bring any stretcher to any accessible position.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows preliminary positioning of stretcher supports along the circular circuit before nursing operations begin. Injured persons can be pre-positioned at optimal locations around the vehicle, ensuring that accessibility requirements are met before treatment starts, thereby maintaining both high capacity and ease of operation.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a reception structure (1) for recumbent persons and a vehicle equipped with such a structure, structure (1) comprising at least two stretcher supports (2a, 2b, 2c) movable along a circuit (5a) defined by parallel guiding means (5), reception structure (1) characterized in that the ends of each stretcher support (2a, 2b, 2c) are fixed by means of a pivot joint (6) to a connecting means (15) which is itself guided by one of the guiding means (5), each guiding means (5) being shaped so as to form a closed circuit (5a) in order to allow a circular permutation of the stretcher supports (2a, 2b, 2c).