Adjustable Wheel Track for IABP Stability and Portability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current intra-aortic balloon pumps (IABPs) face challenges in being adaptable and portable across different medical environments while maintaining high functionality and usability.
Innovation Solution
A modular portable IABP system with a wheeled cart and pump unit that includes a handle assembly with telescoping members, allowing wheels to adjust their track width for stability and ease of transport, along with dual power and gas reservoir systems for independent operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the wheel track is fixed, then the structure is simple, but the stability and adaptability across different environments deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The wheel track is made adjustable through a telescoping mechanism that allows the wheels to move relative to each other along the longitudinal axis of the pump unit. This dynamic adjustment enables the wheel track to change from a narrow configuration for compact storage to a wide configuration for enhanced stability during transport, resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The wheel assembly is segmented into independent wheel units that can move relative to each other. Each wheel is mounted on a separate axle that can slide independently, allowing the wheel track to be adjusted by moving the axles along the pump unit body. This segmentation enables stability improvement without requiring a completely complex reconfigurable structure.
2Ease of operation
If the pump unit is made portable with wheels, then the ease of transport improves, but the stability during operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The wheel track width is dynamically adjusted based on the operational mode. During transport, the wheel track is widened to provide stability, while the unit can be collapsed into a compact form for easy transport. This dynamic configuration allows the pump unit to maintain both portability and stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The wheel track is pre-configured in different positions (narrow for transport, wide for stability). Before operation, the wheel track is adjusted to the appropriate width in advance, ensuring that the pump unit is stable when needed without requiring complex real-time adjustments during operation.
3Reliability
If a single power source is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability and adaptability across different environments deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The power system is designed with multi-functionality to operate in different environments. It includes both a battery for portable operation and the capability to connect to external power sources or other pump units. This universal power design ensures reliability across various settings (portable use, fixed location, backup operations) while managing complexity through modular integration.
Solution Approach 2:
Different power sources are provided for different operational needs. A battery is included for portable operations, while external power connections are provided for fixed location use. The power system is designed with local quality variations, where different power delivery capabilities are available in different locations within the system, ensuring reliability for each specific use case.
4Stability of the object's composition
If the handle assembly is extended for stability, then the wheel track increases, but the compactness and storage capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The handle assembly incorporates a telescoping mechanism that allows it to extend and retract dynamically. When extended, the handle provides a wider wheel track for enhanced stability during transport. When retracted, the handle assembly compacts the overall volume of the pump unit, making it more portable and easier to store. This dynamic extension capability resolves the contradiction between stability and compactness.
Data Source
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AI summary
A medical device, such as an intra-aortic balloon pump or carrier with an extendable wheel track and handle configured to be removably carried and integrated with a cart. The wheel track is configured to extend upon extension of the handle and to return to its original position upon retraction of the handle.