Modular IV Stand Base With Weighted Legs for Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional intravenous support apparatuses are unstable under the weight of intravenous liquid bottles or pouches, often requiring additional support and are bulky for storage and shipping due to their large components.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus features a telescoping pole with a secure, disconnectable base formed by legs with a core of heavier material, such as steel, surrounded by a lighter aluminum alloy for increased stability and rigidity, and can be disassembled into a compact kit for easier storage and shipping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the base of the I.V. stand is made relatively small for convenience of use, then the ease of operation is improved, but the stability of the stand deteriorates and it can be easily knocked over
Solution Approach 1:
The base is divided into multiple detachable legs that can be assembled and disassembled. Each leg contains a heavy core element, and when assembled, they form a stable base structure that provides both stability and ease of storage/transportation.
Solution Approach 2:
Each leg is constructed as a composite structure with a first material containing a core element of a second material that is heavier than the first material. This composite design concentrates weight in strategic locations to enhance stability while keeping the overall base size manageable.
2Stability of the object's composition
If additional support is added to attach the pole or base to a bed or wheelchair, then the stability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is segmented into detachable legs rather than a monolithic base, allowing the stand to achieve stability through proper weight distribution and geometry without requiring complex attachment mechanisms to external surfaces.
3Ease of operation
If the I.V. stand is disassembled for shipping and storage, then the ease of operation is improved, but the base unit requires relatively large size for packaging
Solution Approach 1:
The base is segmented into multiple legs that can be disassembled and packed in a compact arrangement, significantly reducing the packaging volume compared to a solid base of equivalent stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The composite construction with heavy core elements allows the legs to be made with thinner outer materials, reducing overall volume while maintaining the weight necessary for stability.
4Ease of operation
If the post or pole is made in telescoping configuration with smaller diameter sections, then the ease of operation is improved for height adjustment, but the strength and rigidity of the post deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The telescoping pole provides dynamic height adjustment capability, allowing the stand to adapt to different usage scenarios while maintaining structural integrity through proper locking mechanisms and material selection.
Data Source
AI summary
An intravenous support apparatus comprises a pole, means attachable to the pole for hanging an intravenous liquid supply on the pole, and a base including a plurality of disconnectable legs having respective inner ends joined one with another, the joined inner ends forming a central body of the base to define a central passage extending vertically through the base, the central passage receiving a bottom end of the pole for supporting the pole in a upright position, each leg including a first material containing a core element of a second material which is heavier than the first material.