Ambulance Cot Oxygen Bottle Carrier Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
The transportation of E-sized oxygen bottles in ambulance cots poses risks due to their size and weight, leading to potential falls and disconnections, especially during vehicular transport, and requires additional personnel to manage the bottles and oxygen lines, causing logistical and safety issues.
Innovation Solution
A carrier system that integrates within the lateral boundaries of an x-frame ambulance cot, distributing the weight along the cot's major axis, securely holding the oxygen bottle with adjustable components to prevent tangling and ensure safe access, and allowing for easy cleaning and maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If an E-sized oxygen bottle is placed on the cot bed surface between the patient's legs, then the bottle provides adequate oxygen storage capacity, but the bottle may fall off the cot or become a missile in a vehicular crash
Solution Approach 1:
The oxygen bottle carrier integrates the bottle securing function directly into the cot structure by attaching the carrier to the cot's side rails. This merging of functions ensures the bottle is securely held within the cot's lateral boundaries during transport, eliminating the hazard of the bottle becoming a missile while maintaining adequate oxygen storage capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The carrier acts as an intermediary device between the oxygen bottle and the cot structure. It provides a dedicated securing mechanism with columns and a cup that holds the bottle upright and restrained, mediating the connection between the bottle and the cot to prevent falling while maintaining accessibility.
2Reliability
If an E-sized oxygen bottle is transported on a separate cart, then the bottle is securely held, but additional personnel are required to manipulate the cart and maintain oxygen lines
Solution Approach 1:
The carrier combines multiple functions into a single integrated device: bottle securing, oxygen line routing, and positioning within the cot. This eliminates the need for a separate cart and additional personnel, as the carrier performs all necessary functions while being attached to the existing cot structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The carrier is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it secures the bottle, provides a pathway for the oxygen line, positions the bottle for access, and integrates with the cot's existing structure. This multi-functionality replaces the need for separate cart systems and additional attendants.
3Reliability
If an E-sized oxygen bottle is transported on a separate cart, then the bottle is securely held, but hallways, doorways, and elevators are not suitable for allowing free passage of the extra attendant and cart
Solution Approach 1:
The carrier merges the bottle transport function with the existing cot, eliminating the need for a separate cart. This integration allows the bottle to be transported through hallways, doorways, and elevators with the same mobility as the cot itself, without requiring additional space or personnel.
Solution Approach 2:
The carrier extracts the bottle from the need for a separate cart system and integrates it directly onto the cot. This removal of the redundant cart component enables seamless passage through facility constraints while maintaining bottle security.
4Reliability
If a clamping device is used for direct attachment of D size oxygen bottle to the cot side rail, then the bottle is securely held, but D size bottles have limited storage capacity compared to E size bottles
Solution Approach 1:
The carrier uses adjustable columns and a height-adjustable cup that can be dynamically repositioned to accommodate different bottle sizes. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the carrier to securely hold larger E-size bottles while maintaining the security function, unlike fixed clamping devices designed only for smaller bottles.
Solution Approach 2:
The carrier changes the geometric parameters of the securing mechanism by providing adjustable column heights and a movable cup position. This allows the same device to accommodate various bottle sizes from D to E size, increasing oxygen storage capacity while maintaining secure attachment through parameter adaptation.
Data Source
AI summary
A device is disclosed for detachably coupling an oxygen bottle to an ambulance cot such that they are transportable together as a unit. The device fits between a pair of support legs of the cot, and is adjustable to accommodate oxygen bottles of various sizes.