Autonomous Stretcher With Transverse Transfer Litters
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional stretchers for patients with reduced mobility, such as quadriplegic or paraplegic individuals, lack mechanisms to facilitate safe and independent transfer from the stretcher to a bed or wheelchair, particularly after surgery when patients are drowsy and unable to cooperate, leading to potential injury risks and requiring nurse intervention.
Innovation Solution
A stretcher with multiple degrees of freedom, including motor-actuated transport litters, tilting and transverse movement capabilities, and integrated holding and dragging mechanisms, allowing for autonomous patient transfer and adaptation to different positions, as well as incorporating a portable toilet and bathing facilities for enhanced independence.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If conventional stretchers are used for patients with reduced mobility, then the patient can be transported, but the patient requires nurse intervention for transfer to bed or wheelchair and cannot independently satisfy physiological needs
Solution Approach 1:
The stretcher is divided into multiple independent modules (head module, body module, leg module) that can move separately. Each module has its own transport litter and positioning mechanisms, allowing independent control of different body sections during transfer and positioning operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The stretcher incorporates dynamic elements including tilting supports, transverse movement capabilities, and adjustable modules that can change position automatically. The system transitions from static to dynamic positioning through motorized actuation of supports and modules.
2Reliability
If manual transfer methods are used by nurses, then patient transfer can be performed, but there is risk of injury to patient stitches and lack of standardized sustaining techniques
Solution Approach 1:
The stretcher's automated transport litters and holding mechanisms serve as intermediaries between the patient and the destination (bed or wheelchair). The system provides standardized, controlled transfer paths that eliminate manual handling risks and ensure consistent positioning throughout the transfer process.
3Adaptability or versatility
If patients remain in bed for all activities, then patient safety is maintained, but patient independence and quality of life are reduced due to inability to move for physiological needs or entertainment
Solution Approach 1:
The stretcher is designed as a multi-functional device that can serve as a transport system, positioning device, and physiological needs facility. It incorporates transport litters, tilting mechanisms, transverse movement, and even bathing facilities, allowing one device to replace multiple separate systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The stretcher adds dimensional capabilities including vertical tilting, transverse movement, and modular reconfiguration. These additional degrees of freedom enable the stretcher to adapt to various positions and configurations beyond simple horizontal transport.
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
Enables safe, automated transfer and positioning of patients without nurse intervention, providing independence for physiological needs and mobility adjustments, while ensuring patient safety and comfort through integrated motorized and hydraulic systems.
Implementation Method 1
incorporate arms that form three bodies that constitute the backrest, seat and leg rest which, on the one hand, can move in height due to the action of hydraulic cylinders
Implementation Method 2
the backrest or leg rest can swing with respect to the seat, likewise by means of hydraulic mechanisms, to pass from the horizontal position to the staggered position
Implementation Method 3
the modules are endowed with transport litters capable of moving in a direction transversal to the supports actuated by a drive motor
Implementation Method 4
the column that supports the modules will also have a tilting movement with respect to the frame
Implementation Method 5
a carriage, which in turn is displaceable transversely with respect to the frame
Data Source
AI summary
An autonomous stretcher intended for patients with reduced mobility, particularly quadriplegic and paraplegic, is adjustable in height and transformable between a horizontal position in the manner of a bed for housing the patient lying down and a staggered position in the manner of a chair. It incorporates transport litters destined for supporting the patient, endowed with movement in a transverse direction to the supports in both directions of movement: towards the exterior of the stretcher to remove the patient from the stretcher, for example towards a bed or a wheelchair and towards the interior of the stretcher to accommodate the patient therein. It makes it possible to modify its longitudinal or transverse orientation with respect to the frame and enables the patient to satisfy his or her physiological evacuation needs through the stretcher itself in a sitting position.