Dual-Source Battery Charging for Patient Transport Supports
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional chargers for patient transport apparatuses are inefficient when used on vehicles, as they require complex and costly components to handle both direct current and alternating current power, and often necessitate large inverters to operate both the charger and other devices on the vehicle.
Innovation Solution
A charger system that includes a housing with separate power connectors for alternating current and direct current power sources, a charge circuit in electrical communication with both power connectors, and a selector mechanism to prevent simultaneous use of both power sources, allowing the charger to efficiently charge batteries using either power type.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional chargers are used on vehicles with both AC and DC power sources, then the charger can charge batteries in different locations, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase due to requiring complex components to handle both power types
Solution Approach 1:
The charger is divided into separate AC and DC charging circuits that operate independently. Each circuit is optimized for its specific power type, avoiding the need for complex dual-mode components. The selector switch segments the power input paths, allowing simple dedicated circuits rather than one complex universal circuit.
Solution Approach 2:
A single charger housing contains universal adaptability through multiple power input receptacles (AC and DC) and a selector switch mechanism. The charger can universally charge batteries regardless of power source type by selecting the appropriate input mode, eliminating the need for multiple separate charging devices.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional chargers are used on vehicles, then batteries can be charged during transport, but large inverters are required to operate both the charger and other AC-powered devices, increasing device complexity and power requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The inverter function is extracted and separated from the charger. The charger is designed to work directly with DC power from the vehicle battery without requiring an inverter to convert to AC. This eliminates the need for large inverters and reduces the power conversion chain from DC-AC-DC to direct DC charging.
Solution Approach 2:
A selector switch acts as an intermediary between the power source and charge circuit. It mediates between AC and DC power inputs, routing the appropriate power type to the charge circuit without requiring complex power conversion equipment like inverters.
3Adaptability or versatility
If both AC and DC power connectors are always accessible, then the charger can accept any power source, but simultaneous electrical communication with both power sources may cause overload or damage
Solution Approach 1:
The selector switch prevents simultaneous connection to both AC and DC power sources before the charging process begins. By requiring manual selection of one power type at a time, it preemptively avoids the harmful effect of power conflict and potential overload that would occur if both sources were simultaneously connected.
Solution Approach 2:
The selector switch serves as a safety intermediary that controls access to the charge circuit. It ensures that only one power source type is electrically connected to the charging system at any given time, preventing dangerous simultaneous connections while maintaining the ability to accept either AC or DC power.
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 charger system enables cost-effective and efficient charging of batteries in patient transport apparatuses, regardless of the power source available, by simplifying the components needed and preventing overload from simultaneous power sources.
Implementation Method 1
a charge circuit disposed in electrical communication with the charger connector, the first power connector, and the second power connector to charge the battery across the charger connector with power received from the first source type or from the second source type
Data Source
AI summary
A patient support system for charging a battery of a patient transport apparatus via power selected from first and second source types. A charger with a guide coupled to a housing supporting first and second power connectors. A charge circuit charges the battery with power received from the first or from the second source types. A selector with a bastion prevent simultaneous electrical communication of the charge circuit with power from both the first and second source types. The selector is selectively movable between: a first selector position where the bastion blocks access to the second power connector and permits access to the first power connector to charge with power from the first source type, and a second selector position where the bastion blocks access to the first power connector and permits access to the second power connector to charge with power from the second source type.