Patient Transport Auxiliary Wheel Speed Control for Steering Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional patient transport apparatuses face issues with uncontrollable movement and steering difficulties due to the swiveling nature of caster wheels, particularly when navigating long hallways and corners, necessitating the use of non-swiveling auxiliary wheels for control but lacking effective control mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
An auxiliary wheel assembly with a motor-driven, non-swiveling wheel that can be deployed and retracted, controlled by a throttle system and sensor feedback, allowing precise maneuverability and steering assistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If non-swiveling auxiliary wheels are added to control movement, then steering control is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The auxiliary wheel assembly is designed to be dynamically deployable and retractable via a motor-driven mechanism. The assembly can be extended when steering control is needed and retracted when not needed, allowing the system to adapt its configuration based on operational requirements rather than permanently adding complex components.
Solution Approach 2:
The auxiliary wheel assembly incorporates an automated motor-driven deployment mechanism that can be controlled via a throttle system. This self-service capability reduces the need for manual intervention and simplifies operation while maintaining steering control when required.
2Stability of the object's composition
If auxiliary wheel speed is not controlled, then device complexity is reduced, but unwanted sideways movement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The auxiliary wheel assembly incorporates a speed control mechanism with feedback capability through a throttle system. The throttle controls the motor speed, and the system can sense and adjust the wheel speed to prevent unwanted sideways movement during patient transport, maintaining stability without excessive complexity.
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
Enhances the maneuverability and control of patient transport apparatuses, reducing unwanted sideways movement and improving navigation through various environments.
Implementation Method 1
An auxiliary wheel assembly with a motor-driven, non-swiveling wheel that can be deployed and retracted
Data Source
AI summary
A patient transport apparatus for transporting a patient over a floor surface is described herein. The patient transport apparatus includes an auxiliary wheel assembly including an auxiliary wheel, an auxiliary wheel drive system, and a control system for operating the auxiliary wheel drive system based on user commands. The control system includes a processor that is programmed to receive a user command to operate the auxiliary wheel drive system in a drive mode and responsively operate a motor control circuit to transmit power signals to a motor to rotate the auxiliary wheel. The processor is also programmed to receive a user command to operate the auxiliary wheel drive system in a free wheel mode and responsively operate the motor control circuit to enable the auxiliary wheel to rotate relatively freely with the auxiliary wheel in a deployed position.