Gurney Height Extension Platform for Helicopter Patient Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
The height differential between existing gurneys and helicopter door openings causes injuries to medical personnel when transferring patients, as gurneys are too short and do not extend up to the door level, leading to manual lifting and potential hand or finger injuries during litter transfer.
Innovation Solution
A raised platform attachment for gurneys, which extends the top surface to match the helicopter door opening height, allowing the litter to be slid directly onto the gurney, featuring a body member with a retractable shelf and drawer for medical supplies, and secure attachment mechanisms to ensure stability and ease of use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a standard gurney is used for patient transfer, then the gurney structure is simple and cost-effective, but the height differential causes injuries to medical personnel
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a height extension platform as an intermediary device between the gurney and the helicopter door. This platform bridges the height gap, allowing the litter to be positioned at the same level as the gurney, thereby eliminating the need for manual lifting and preventing hand and finger injuries during patient transfer.
Solution Approach 2:
The height extension platform raises the gurney surface to match the helicopter door opening level, creating equipotential conditions. This eliminates the height differential that causes medical personnel to lift and lower the gurney, preventing shoulder, back, arm and other injuries.
2Ease of operation
If the gurney height is increased to match the helicopter door, then patient transfer becomes safer, but the gurney structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of modifying the entire gurney structure, the patent segments the height adjustment function into a separate, detachable extension platform. This modular approach allows the platform to be attached only when needed for helicopter transfers, keeping the base gurney structure simple while providing height adjustment capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The extension platform is designed to be detachable and reconfigurable, allowing the gurney system to dynamically adapt its height based on operational needs. The platform can be attached for helicopter transfers and removed or stored when not needed, providing flexibility without permanent structural complexity.
3Ease of operation
If a fixed height extension is added to the gurney, then the height differential is eliminated, but the device becomes less adaptable to different scenarios
Solution Approach 1:
The extension platform incorporates adjustable and detachable features, allowing it to be configured based on different operational scenarios. The platform can be attached or removed depending on whether helicopter transfer is needed, and its height can be adjusted to match different door openings, maintaining adaptability while providing height alignment when required.
Solution Approach 2:
The extension platform is designed with universal attachment mechanisms that can be configured for different gurney types and helicopter models. The platform serves multiple functions: height extension, litter support surface, and transfer aid, making the gurney system versatile across different operational scenarios.
Data Source
AI summary
A device for existing gurneys to allow for transfer of a litter on a helicopter onto the gurney has a raised platform. The raised platform is configured to be positioned on top of the gurney, wherein a top surface of the raised platform is approximately level with a device for transferring the litter from the helicopter to the gurney.