Auxiliary Wheel Braking for Controlled Patient Support Movement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing patient support apparatuses lack effective braking systems that provide greater control during movement and positioning, and do not offer supplemental charging options for batteries and electrical storage units.
Innovation Solution
A patient support apparatus with a braking system that includes a base with caster wheels and a support structure for a non-castered auxiliary wheel, featuring a brake member that can be moved between disengaged and frictionally engaged positions to restrict rotation, along with a drive mechanism and clutch system to synchronize braking forces across auxiliary wheels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a braking system is added to the patient support apparatus, then control during movement and positioning is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The braking system is integrated with the existing drive mechanism and fifth wheel assembly. The brake member is positioned to engage the auxiliary wheel within the existing structural framework, combining multiple functions (braking, driving, and support) into a unified system rather than adding separate independent components.
Solution Approach 2:
The auxiliary wheel assembly serves multiple purposes: it provides braking surface engagement, supports the braking mechanism, and works in conjunction with the drive mechanism. The brake member itself can be integrated with the drive mechanism components, allowing single components to perform multiple functions.
2Force
If frictional engagement is used for braking, then braking force is generated, but energy loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The braking system converts the harmful effect of friction (energy loss) into a useful function (braking force). The brake member is designed to frictionally engage the auxiliary wheel, where the friction that would normally represent energy loss is instead harnessed to provide controlled deceleration and stopping capability.
3Reliability
If the brake member is always engaged, then braking control is maintained, but movement freedom is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The brake member is designed to be movable between engaged and disengaged positions relative to the auxiliary wheel. This dynamic positioning allows the system to switch between braking and free movement states, with the brake member able to contact the wheel for braking or be positioned away to allow unrestricted movement.
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 braking system enhances control over the patient support apparatus during movement and positioning, while allowing for synchronized braking forces and supplemental charging of batteries and electrical storage units.
Implementation Method 1
the at least one brake member is frictionally engaged with the auxiliary wheel to restrict rotation of the auxiliary wheel
Data Source
AI summary
A patient support apparatus includes a base having a length and including a plurality of caster wheels enabling movement of the patient support apparatus across a floor surface. An auxiliary wheel support structure is secured to the base and rotatably supports at least one non-castered auxiliary wheel. A drive mechanism including a motor may be configured to drive the auxiliary wheel. A braking system including at least one brake member may be configured to apply a braking force to decelerate the auxiliary wheel and is movable between a first position wherein the at least one brake member is disengaged from the auxiliary wheel and a deployed position wherein the at least one brake member is frictionally engaged with the auxiliary wheel to restrict rotation of the auxiliary wheel. The braking system may be configured to synchronize the braking forces applied to first and second auxiliary wheels.