Detachable Motorized Wheel Assembly for Hospital Bed Maneuvering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing transport structures for health facilities, such as hospital beds or stretchers, face challenges in maneuverability, especially in small spaces, and are costly to manufacture due to complex motorized wheel assemblies and large towing devices.
Innovation Solution
A manoeuvre device with a motorized wheel assembly that can reversibly move between rest and motion positions, connected via mechanical and electrical means to the transport structure, allowing flexible use and easy mounting/dis mounting, and featuring a control unit for operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a motorized wheel assembly is fixed to the support frame to improve maneuverability, then the transport structure can follow routes with bends and corners, but the device becomes complex and costly to manufacture
Solution Approach 1:
The motorized maneuvering function is separated from the transport structure itself and placed in a独立的wheel assembly that can be detached. This segmentation allows the main transport structure to remain simple while maneuverability is provided by a separate, reusable module that couples temporarily when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The motorized wheel assembly is designed as a universal device that can couple with multiple different transport structures through standardized coupling mechanisms. This multi-functionality allows a single maneuvering device to serve various transport needs without requiring each structure to have its own integrated motor system.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a towing device is used to improve flexibility of use, then multiple transport structures can be towed, but the device has a large footprint and is difficult to use in small spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The wheel assembly is designed with a compact structure where components are nested within each other when not in use. The driving wheel can be retracted or positioned within the frame structure, allowing the device to occupy minimal space during storage or transport while maintaining full functionality when deployed.
Solution Approach 2:
The wheel assembly incorporates movable and adjustable components that can change configuration based on operational needs. The driving wheel can be raised or lowered, and the overall structure can adapt its shape and size, transitioning from a compact storage form to an extended operational form.
3Ease of operation
If a motorized wheel assembly is integrated into the transport structure to improve maneuverability, then the structure can move independently, but it is costly to manufacture on an industrial scale
Solution Approach 1:
The motorized wheel assembly is designed as a separate, modular unit that can be manufactured independently using standardized components and assembly processes. This segmentation enables specialized production lines for the wheel assembly, achieving economies of scale that reduce per-unit costs compared to integrating motors into each custom transport structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The design uses standardized motor specifications, wheel dimensions, and coupling parameters that can be produced efficiently through industrial manufacturing. By establishing fixed parameters for key components, the invention enables batch production and reduces the complexity of custom manufacturing for each application.
Data Source
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AI summary
Manoeuvre device, for moving a transport structure for people, of the type used in health facilities or similar, comprising: - a trolley frame that defines an internal volume adapted to accommodate, at least partially, the components of said manoeuvre device; - a wheel assembly operatively connected with said support frame and comprising a driving wheel and actuating means adapted to drive said driving wheel and comprising one or more electric motors; - a control unit adapted to control operation of said wheel assembly, said control unit being operatively connectable, in wired and/or wireless mode, with electronic control means of said transport structure; - a battery assembly adapted to supply said actuating means and said control means; - mechanical guiding means operatively couplable with said transport structure, said first mechanical guiding means being adapted to allow a reversible movement of said manoeuvre device between a separation position from said transport structure and a mounting position on board said transport structure; - mechanical blocking means operatively couplable with said transport structure, said mechanical blocking means being adapted to block said manoeuvre device in said mounting position on board said transport structure.