Inductive Power System for Emergency Patient Cot
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Solution Overview
Problem
Powered patient supports and loading/unloading devices in emergency vehicles require frequent battery management and precise electrical connections, which can be cumbersome and pose safety risks.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an inductive based power system that allows for wireless power transmission between a transmitting coil in the vehicle and a receiving coil on the patient support, eliminating the need for direct electrical connections and enabling onboard power supplies to be recharged without precise alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If direct electrical connections are used to power the cot fastening system, then power can be supplied to the system, but the system becomes cumbersome and creates safety risks due to exposure of electrical connectors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces direct mechanical electrical connections with an inductive power transmission system using transmitting and receiving coils. This eliminates exposed electrical connectors and the associated safety risks while providing wireless power supply to the cot fastening system, resolving both the safety and ease of operation concerns.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces electromagnetic fields as an intermediary medium to transfer power between the vehicle and the cot fastening system. The transmitting coil generates an electromagnetic field that induces current in the receiving coil, enabling power transmission without direct electrical contact, thus eliminating safety hazards associated with exposed connectors.
2Use of energy by moving object
If direct electrical connections are used for power transmission, then power can be transmitted to the cot fastening system, but the connectors experience wear and require frequent maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical electrical connectors with an inductive power transmission system using electromagnetic fields. This eliminates physical contact between power transmission components, preventing wear and tear on connectors and reducing maintenance requirements while maintaining effective power transmission to the cot fastening system.
3Reliability
If wireless inductive power transmission is used, then safety is improved and connector wear is eliminated, but alignment precision between coils becomes critical
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic alignment system where the receiving coil is mounted on the movable cot and automatically aligns with the transmitting coil as the cot is positioned in the vehicle. This dynamic positioning ensures optimal alignment during operation, maintaining effective power transmission while preserving the safety benefits of wireless power transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes the natural movement and positioning of the cot into the vehicle to achieve automatic alignment between the transmitting and receiving coils. The cot's insertion motion itself facilitates the alignment process, eliminating the need for complex external alignment mechanisms and maintaining safety while ensuring proper coil positioning.
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
This solution reduces the concern for battery management and eliminates the need for precise alignment, enhancing safety by eliminating direct electrical connections and prolonging the life of power supplies through efficient power transfer.
Implementation Method 1
the transmitting coil wirelessly transmits power to the receiving coil to thereby recharge the rechargeable power supply
Implementation Method 2
the receiving coil capable of being located in a predefined position in the emergency vehicle to align with said transmitting coil when the cot fastening system is in a predetermined configuration in the vehicle such that the transmitting coil wirelessly transmits power to the receiving coil
Data Source
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AI summary
A patient support includes a base, a patient support surface supported by the base, an electrically powered device, and a rechargeable power storage device for powering the electrically powered device. Further, the patient support includes a receiving coil that is electrically coupled to the rechargeable power supply for inductive coupling with a transmitting coil, the receiving coil for recharging the rechargeable power supply when the receiving coil is inductively coupled to the transmitting coil.