Power-Assisted Ambulance Stretcher Coupling for Single-Operator Loading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing stretchers for transporting patients lack safety and ease of use during loading and unloading, particularly in emergency situations, and require multiple operators to manage the stretcher and patient load, with limited functionality in various transport conditions.
Innovation Solution
A semi-automatic or power-assisted stretcher with movable legs and a spherical coupling head, equipped with sensors and actuators, that allows single-operator operation and adaptability to different transport conditions, including slopes, and a loading/unloading system with a guide and temporary locking mechanism for secure engagement with ambulance surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a stretcher is designed for manual operation without power assistance, then the device complexity is low, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to the burden of supporting the stretcher and patient load
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operation with a power-assisted system comprising actuators (electric or hydraulic) that automatically control the movement of stretcher components. The control unit receives signals from operators and autonomously actuates the legs, coupling body, and wheels, eliminating the need for manual physical support while maintaining operational control.
Solution Approach 2:
The stretcher is designed to perform its own positioning and movement functions through integrated power assistance. The system autonomously adjusts leg positions, coupling body orientation, and wheel deployment based on control signals, enabling the device to service itself during loading and unloading operations without requiring external manual intervention for support.
2Ease of operation
If multiple operators are required to handle the stretcher, then the reliability of loading/unloading operations is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to increased operational burden
Solution Approach 1:
The power-assisted system with automated control replaces the need for multiple operators providing mechanical support. The actuators and control unit autonomously manage the complex coordination required for safe loading and unloading, maintaining reliability through automated control while reducing the operational burden from multiple personnel to a single operator who simply provides control signals.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the coupling body is fixed in position, then the device complexity is low, but the adaptability deteriorates for various transport conditions including slopes
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling body is designed with dynamic positioning capability through rotational and translational movement along the longitudinal median plane of the support frame. This allows the coupling body to adapt its position and orientation based on transport conditions such as slopes and different loading configurations, enabling the stretcher to handle various terrain and loading scenarios while maintaining secure coupling.
4Productivity
If automatic loading/unloading systems are implemented, then the productivity is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The automatic loading and unloading system uses power-assisted actuators and control units to autonomously perform positioning and coupling operations. This replaces manual mechanical handling with automated electromechanical systems, significantly improving productivity by enabling single-operator control and reducing the time and effort required for loading and unloading operations.
Data Source
AI summary
An ambulance stretcher, which comprises:a support frame for supporting a patient;a pair of front legs, each having a front wheel;a pair of rear legs, each having a rear wheel;a front coupling body connected to a front end of the support frame;characterized in that the coupling body comprises a spherical or hemispherical coupling head arranged on a vertical longitudinal median plane of the support frame.