Curved Feet Litter for Smooth Patient Loading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing litters lack a smooth transition mechanism between the ground and a loading position, which can exacerbate injuries during transportation, especially for individuals with head, neck, or spine injuries, due to jerky movements during loading and maneuvering.
Innovation Solution
A collapsible litter with curved feet that allow smooth rotation between a loading position and a flat position, featuring a pair of frame rails supported by collapsible spreader bars and a carrying structure, enabling easy and safe placement and transportation of injured persons.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional straight feet are used on litters, then the structure is simple and manufacturing is easy, but the loading process causes jerky movements that can worsen injuries
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies curvature to the foot structure by replacing straight feet with curved feet that have a rounded contact surface. This curved geometry enables the litter to rotate smoothly during loading operations, eliminating jerky movements and providing continuous contact with the ground throughout the loading process, thereby improving the smoothness of operation without significantly increasing manufacturing complexity.
2Weight of moving object
If the litter is made lightweight and collapsible for easy transport, then portability is improved, but structural strength and stability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the litter frame into collapsible segments connected by hinges, allowing the structure to be broken down into manageable sections. This segmentation enables the litter to be collapsed for compact storage and easy transport while maintaining structural integrity when deployed, as each segment can be independently strengthened without increasing overall weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite materials in the frame construction, combining materials with different properties to achieve both lightweight characteristics and sufficient structural strength. This allows the litter to maintain rigidity and stability during use while keeping the overall weight low for easy portability by rescue personnel.
3Ease of operation
If the litter remains stationary during loading, then injury risk is reduced, but smooth transition between ground and loading position is difficult to achieve
Solution Approach 1:
The curved feet provide a rounded contact surface that enables continuous, smooth rotation of the litter during loading operations. This curved geometry ensures that the litter transitions gradually from the ground position to the loading position without sudden jerks or movements, maintaining the injured person's stability throughout the entire loading process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic movement through the curved feet mechanism, allowing the litter to rotate smoothly during loading rather than requiring static, jerky movements. This controlled dynamic transition enables the litter to adapt its position continuously while minimizing harmful movements that could worsen injuries, achieving both smooth operation and injury prevention.
Data Source
AI summary
A litter for carrying an injured person and method of making the same is provided. The litter comprises a pair of frame rails defining a middle space therebetween. A carrying structure is supported by the pair of frame rails in the middle space and defines a top surface and a bottom surface. The carrying structure is configured to support an injured person on the top surface. The litter further comprises at least one spreader bar disposed between the pair of frame rails. At least one foot defining a top and a bottom may be attached to a bottom side of either the at least one spreader bar or at least one of the pair of frame rails. The at least one foot defines a curved surface leading downwardly from the top to the bottom vertically away from the top surface of the carrying structure and horizontally towards the middle space.