Foldable Stretcher Apparatus for Space-Constrained Aircraft Cabins
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current patient transport systems in aircraft do not allow for immediate conversion of passenger seats into a stretcher for passengers who become ill during flights, as standard stretchers are too large to be carried on board and occupy valuable space.
Innovation Solution
A mobile apparatus with a foldable stretcher system, comprising pivotable segments and a frame, designed to minimize space usage, allowing the stretcher to be compactly stored and easily deployed within the aircraft cabin, equipped with wheels for mobility and a vacuum mattress for patient support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a standard stretcher is used for patient transport, then patient safety and comfort are ensured, but the stretcher occupies too much space and cannot be stored on board the aircraft
Solution Approach 1:
The stretcher is divided into multiple segments that can be folded relative to each other, allowing the stretcher to be compacted into a small volume for storage on board the aircraft while maintaining full functionality when deployed
Solution Approach 2:
The stretcher incorporates movable and adjustable components including foldable segments, height-adjustable supports, and reconfigurable positioning mechanisms that allow transformation between compact storage state and fully functional patient support state
2Reliability
If passenger seats are blocked to accommodate a stretcher, then patient transport is enabled, but the number of available seats for passengers is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile apparatus serves multiple functions: it can be used as a stretcher for patient transport, folded into a compact unit for storage in overhead compartments or designated areas, and the segmented design allows it to be positioned flexibly without requiring dedicated stretcher space that would block passenger seats
3Volume of moving object
If a compact stretcher design is used to minimize space, then storage on board is enabled, but the stretcher may not provide sufficient support for patients
Solution Approach 1:
The segmented design allows the stretcher to be compacted for storage while maintaining the ability to expand into a full-size configuration with adequate surface area and structural support for patient transport
Solution Approach 2:
The stretcher includes height-adjustable supports and reconfigurable positioning mechanisms that enable adaptation to different patient sizes and medical requirements, ensuring sufficient support capability despite the compact storage design
Data Source
AI summary
A mobile apparatus with an integrated stretcher apparatus for patients has a base having rotatably mounted wheels on a bottom side for moving the base on the ground, a frame which is fastened to a top side of the base and which is open at least on one side, and a stretcher apparatus having segments which are mounted pivotably relative to one another, wherein the segments are configured for folding the stretcher apparatus into a first form, in which all the segments adjoin one another in a plane, and for folding said stretcher apparatus into a second form, in which the stretcher apparatus is packed down, and wherein the stretcher apparatus and the frame are configured to be complementary to one another such that the stretcher apparatus in the second form can be completely introduced into the frame.