Collapsible Oxygen Tank Holder With Low-Friction Sliding Support
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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, leading to inconvenience and potential damage.
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 and providing support over varied terrain, and enabling easy transition between configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional securing devices are used to secure oxygen tanks, then the oxygen 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 operational needs
2Reliability
If conventional securing devices are used, then oxygen 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 oxygen tanks of various sizes while maintaining secure engagement through the engagement features
3Reliability
If conventional securing devices are used, then oxygen tanks can be secured, but the devices need to be removed prior to folding the patient transport apparatus
Solution Approach 1:
The holder is designed with collapsed and expanded configurations that allow it to serve dual purposes: securing oxygen tanks during transport and being compact during storage, eliminating the need for removal before folding the apparatus
4Reliability
If conventional securing devices are used, then oxygen tanks can be secured, but the devices do not provide sufficient support when moving over uneven terrain or stairs
Solution Approach 1:
The movable panels enable the holder to dynamically adjust its configuration in response to terrain variations, maintaining optimal support for the oxygen tank whether the apparatus is on flat ground, uneven terrain, or stairs
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 provides secure, flexible, and convenient oxygen tank storage that maintains support during transport, reducing the risk of damage and enhancing caregiver usability.
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
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.