Bicycle Rescue Device with Segmented Basket Mounts

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Solution Overview

Problem

In backcountry rescue situations, first responders face challenges in efficiently and safely transporting patients over rugged terrain, as existing rescue devices like rescue baskets and litter wheels are either excessively labor-intensive or unstable.

Innovation Solution

A bicycle rescue device is designed, featuring a bicycle frame with front and rear wheels, a motor for enhanced mobility, and a mount kit that securely attaches a rescue basket. The device includes a forward mount in the seat tube and a rear mount over the rear wheel, both equipped with straps and a cam assembly for stable carriage of the rescue basket.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a rescue basket is carried on a litter wheel, then transport efficiency over rugged terrain is improved, but stability deteriorates requiring four people to handle

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransport efficiencyVSAvoidstability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The rescue device is divided into separate functional components: a bicycle frame for transport, a carriage for patient containment, and mounting systems that allow independent assembly and disassembly. This segmentation enables the stable bicycle platform to be combined with the rescue basket without requiring multiple handlers, resolving the stability issue while maintaining transport efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A carriage acts as an intermediary component between the bicycle frame and the rescue basket. The carriage includes a support base that receives the basket and securing means that attach the basket to the bicycle, providing a stable connection without requiring multiple rescuers to manually stabilize the basket during transport.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If four first responders carry a patient in a rescue basket, then patient transport capability is improved, but physical burden on rescuers increases to thirty to forty pounds per responder

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepatient transport capabilityVSAvoidphysical burden per responder

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The manual carrying system is replaced with a mechanical transport system using a bicycle. The bicycle's wheels and frame provide mechanical support for the rescue basket and patient, eliminating the need for rescuers to physically carry the weight. Rescuers only need to pedal and steer, dramatically reducing the physical burden from thirty to forty pounds per responder to a manageable level.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If rescuers respond quickly to prevent basket tipping on a litter wheel, then patient safety is improved, but response time and coordination requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepatient safetyVSAvoidcoordination requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting system includes pre-configured securing mechanisms such as straps, latches, and mounting brackets that are designed to prevent basket tipping before it occurs. The carriage and basket are equipped with features that maintain stability during transport, eliminating the need for rescuers to react quickly to tipping situations and reducing coordination requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Data Source

PatentUS12220356B2Bicycle rescue device

Publication Date: 2025.02.11 WURR PHILIPPE S

AI summary

A bicycle rescue device includes a bicycle frame with front and rear wheels mounted for rotation thereto and a seat tube. A first mount is received in the seat tube, and a carriage is mounted in the first mount. The carriage is configured to hold a rescue basket. A second mount is disposed over the rear wheel, and the second mount presents an upper support surface and includes straps for securing the rescue basket.