Caster Brake and Steer Lock Assembly With Single Actuator Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional patient transport apparatuses with caster assemblies often have complex, rigid, and heavy brake and steer lock assemblies that require separate actuation, which can be cumbersome and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A patient transport apparatus with caster assemblies featuring an actuator that simultaneously controls a steer lock assembly and brake assembly, allowing for a single mechanism to switch between steer locked and unlocked states and braked and unbraked states, enhancing ease of use and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate brake and steer lock assemblies are used for each caster assembly, then each function can be independently controlled, but the device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the brake assembly and steer lock assembly into a single integrated mechanism actuated by one actuator. The actuator has three positions: first position engages the brake pad with the wheel, second position engages the locking element with the locking receiver to lock steering, and third position disengages both. This merging eliminates the need for separate actuators and linkages while maintaining independent control of both functions through position-dependent engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The single actuator performs multiple functions by moving to different positions. It can independently activate the brake function (first position), the steer lock function (second position), or both simultaneously (third position). This multi-functionality reduces the number of components while preserving the ability to independently control each function as needed.
2Ease of operation
If mechanical linkage connects brake and steer lock assemblies, then actuation is coordinated, but the linkage becomes complex, rigid, and heavy
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using separate assemblies connected by mechanical linkage, the patent merges the brake and steer lock mechanisms into a single integrated assembly actuated by one actuator. The actuator directly controls both functions through its three positions, eliminating the need for complex linkages and reducing the weight of moving parts.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple actuators are used for each caster assembly, then each function can be precisely controlled, but the ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The single actuator is designed with three distinct positions that provide precise control over both brake and steer lock functions. The first position engages only the brake, the second position engages only the steer lock, and the third position engages both. This multi-position design maintains manufacturing precision while dramatically improving ease of operation by requiring only one actuator instead of multiple separate actuators.
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 integrated actuator system simplifies operation by allowing simultaneous control of wheel swivel and braking, improving maneuverability and reducing mechanical complexity and weight.
Implementation Method 1
a brake biasing element disposed between the plunger and the brake pad to urge the brake pad away from the plunger
Implementation Method 2
a first steer biasing element to bias the locking element toward the locking receiver, and a second steer biasing element to bias the steer lock assembly to the non-steer locked state
Data Source
AI summary
A patient transport apparatus comprises a support structure and at least one caster assembly coupled to the structure to facilitate movement of the structure along a floor. Each caster assembly comprises a wheel, an actuator moveable between three actuator positions, a steer lock assembly moveable by the actuator between a steer and non-steer locked state, and a brake assembly movable by the actuator between a braked and unbraked state. The brake assembly includes a plunger, a retainer coupled to the plunger, a brake pad for sliding movement along the retainer, and a brake biasing element disposed between the plunger and the brake pad to urge the brake pad away from the plunger such that movement of the actuator to place the brake assembly in the braked state simultaneously brings the brake pad into engagement with the wheel and slides the brake pad along the retainer to compress the biasing element.