Auxiliary Wheel Speed Control for Patient Transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional patient transport apparatuses face challenges in efficiently controlling movement, especially in congested areas, and require caregivers to manually manage auxiliary wheels, which can lead to accidents and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
The patient transport apparatus incorporates an auxiliary wheel assembly with a lift actuator that automatically moves the auxiliary wheel between retracted and deployed positions, and a throttle assembly with speed modes to control the auxiliary wheel's speed, enhancing maneuverability and safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the auxiliary wheel is driven at higher speeds, then the patient transport apparatus moves faster, but the risk of collisions with objects and people increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the auxiliary wheel speed based on the operating environment. The controller receives input about the environment type (congested vs. open) and automatically adjusts the motor speed to optimize both efficiency and safety, making the speed characteristic adaptive rather than fixed
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the speed parameter of the auxiliary wheel motor based on different operating conditions. By detecting whether the environment is congested or open, the system modifies the motor speed parameter accordingly - lower speeds in congested areas and higher speeds in open areas
2Ease of operation
If the auxiliary wheel is deployed to control movement, then directional control is improved, but the caregiver must remember to retract it before adjusting horizontal position
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs the retraction action automatically without requiring caregiver intervention. When the transport apparatus enters a location where horizontal adjustment is needed, the controller automatically commands the auxiliary wheel to retract, eliminating the need for the caregiver to remember this step
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from location detection (via sensors or GPS) to automatically control the auxiliary wheel state. When the apparatus detects it is in a location suitable for horizontal adjustment, it automatically retracts the wheel; when in transport mode, it deploys the wheel for directional control
3Device complexity
If the auxiliary wheel is manually managed, then the system structure is simpler, but accidents and inefficiencies occur due to human error
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces manual mechanical management of the auxiliary wheel with an automated electromechanical system. A motor drives the auxiliary wheel based on electronic control signals from a controller, substituting human manual operations with an automated system that reduces errors while adding controlled complexity
Data Source
AI summary
A patient transport apparatus transports a patient over a floor surface. The patient transport apparatus comprises a base and support wheels coupled to the base. An auxiliary wheel is coupled to the base to influence motion of the patient transport apparatus over the floor surface to assist users. A wheel drive system is operatively coupled to the auxiliary wheel to rotate the auxiliary wheel relative to the base at a rotational speed. A throttle assembly having a throttle operably coupled to the actuator. The throttle is movable in a first position, a second position, and intermediate positions between the first and second positions. The rotational speed of the auxiliary wheel changes in a non-linear manner with respect to movement of the throttle.