Detachable Belt-Drive Rescue Board for Lightweight Patient Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing transport apparatuses for injured or sick individuals do not adequately address the need for a lightweight, portable, and efficient means to transition a person from a horizontal orientation on the ground to a transport apparatus while ensuring safety and proper alignment.
Innovation Solution
A hand-held, portable, external controller with a detachable battery powers a drive system for a transport apparatus, featuring a board assembly with adjustable alignment mechanisms and safety devices to ensure secure and controlled movement, and an optional motor within the controller or belt housing to reduce weight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If the motor is enclosed within the apparatus itself, then the structure is more integrated, but the weight and portability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus is divided into separate functional modules: the motor is detached from the main apparatus body and placed in a separate controller unit. This segmentation allows the apparatus to be lighter and more portable while the motor remains available for operation through the external controller.
Solution Approach 2:
The motor is extracted from the apparatus housing and relocated to an external controller. This extraction reduces the weight of the apparatus while maintaining the motor's functionality through the separate controller unit that can be coupled to the apparatus.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed controller is used, then the operation is simpler, but the adaptability and portability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The controller is designed to be dynamic rather than fixed - it can be attached to or detached from the apparatus as needed. This dynamic configuration allows the controller to be portable and adaptable to different situations while maintaining ease of operation through its integrated controls.
Solution Approach 2:
The external controller serves multiple functions: it controls the motor, provides portability, and can be used independently or attached to the apparatus. This multi-functionality enhances adaptability while maintaining operational simplicity through a unified control interface.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the belt tension and tracking are fixed, then the device is simpler, but the adaptability to different conditions is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The belt tension and tracking mechanisms are designed to be adjustable rather than fixed. Users can dynamically modify the tension and tracking according to different operating conditions, enhancing adaptability while keeping the mechanisms relatively simple through straightforward adjustment features.
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 solution provides a lightweight, efficient, and safe means to transport individuals from a horizontal orientation on the ground to a transport apparatus, ensuring proper alignment and safety through adjustable tension and tracking mechanisms, with optional smart technology for monitoring and locating.
Implementation Method 1
using a light-weight, hand-held, portable, external, detachable controller including an external, removable battery
Implementation Method 2
a cable extends outward from a compact, box-type housing of the controller. The housing is configured to retain the external battery until manually removed. Optionally, the controller may include a motor for a drive system of the apparatus
Implementation Method 3
a board assembly upon which the person is positioned in the horizontal and longitudinal orientation and a hand-held, portable, external controller. The board assembly has a housing supporting a drive belt assembly comprising a drive system for rotating at least one endless belt that moves over an exterior support surface of the housing to support the person being moved onto the apparatus
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is an apparatus and method for transporting a person from a position on the ground onto the apparatus generally in a horizontal orientation. The apparatus comprises a board assembly upon which the person is positioned lengthwise in a horizontal orientation. The board assembly includes a belt housing for at least one endless belt, and a battery powered drive system for rotating the belt. A hand-held, portable, external, detachable controller has a motor coupling that enables the battery powered drive system to be detachably connected to a battery within the controller. A coupling connector manually connected and disconnected to the drive system enables the coupling connector to engage and operate the drive system.