Collapsible Oxygen Container Holder for Foldable Patient Transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional devices for securing oxygen tanks to patient transport apparatuses are bulky, inflexible, and interfere with caregiver operation, lack support over uneven terrain, and require repetitive removal and reattachment, affecting their longevity.
Innovation Solution
A collapsible holder with an expandable compartment and sliding strips for securing oxygen containers, allowing secure attachment to patient transport apparatuses without interfering with operation, providing support over uneven terrain, and enabling easy transition between configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional securing devices are used for oxygen tanks, then the tanks can be secured to the patient transport apparatus, but the devices are bulky and interfere with caregiver operation
Solution Approach 1:
The holder is divided into an upper panel and a lower panel that can independently move relative to each other, allowing the holder to be segmented into different configurations (expanded and collapsed) to accommodate both securing and ease of operation requirements
2Reliability
If conventional securing devices are used for oxygen tanks, then the tanks can be secured, but the devices lack flexibility to accommodate different tank sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The holder employs dynamic panels that can move between different positions, allowing the holder to adapt its internal volume and shape to accommodate various oxygen tank sizes while maintaining secure attachment
3Reliability
If conventional securing devices are used for oxygen tanks, then the tanks can be secured, but the devices do not provide sufficient support when moving over uneven terrain or stairs
Solution Approach 1:
The holder changes its structural parameters by transitioning between expanded and collapsed configurations, providing enhanced support strength when needed (expanded state) and streamlined profile when not needed (collapsed state)
4Reliability
If conventional securing devices are used for oxygen tanks, then the tanks can be secured, but the devices need to be removed prior to folding the patient transport apparatus for storage
Solution Approach 1:
The holder is designed with dynamic panels that can be collapsed to a compact configuration, allowing the holder to be stored in place on the patient transport apparatus without requiring removal, thereby simplifying the storage procedure
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 collapsible holder securely holds oxygen tanks, supports patient transport over varied terrain, and facilitates seamless configuration changes without damaging the device, enhancing caregiver usability and extending device longevity.
Implementation Method 1
a flexible interface extending between the upper panel and the lower panel to form an expandable compartment
Implementation Method 2
the lower sliding strips configured to provide a decreased frictional force relative to the lower panel when receiving the oxygen container within the expandable compartment
Data Source
AI summary
A collapsible holder for receiving an oxygen container is configured to be attached to a support structure of a patient transport apparatus. The holder includes elongated upper and lower panels, a flexible interface extending between the upper panel and the lower panel to form an expandable compartment with an opening for receiving the oxygen container in a lateral direction, and lower sliding strips extending laterally along an interior surface of the lower panel. The lower sliding strips are configured to provide a decreased frictional force relative to the lower panel when receiving the oxygen container within the expandable compartment.