Litter Carrier with Hook-and-Loop Fasteners for Quick Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for an improved device to store and transport patient transport litters efficiently from a vehicle or storage location to the site of an injury, as existing solutions do not adequately facilitate quick access and secure carrying of collapsible litters.

Innovation Solution

A litter storage and carrier apparatus comprising a flexible bag-like litter carrier with hook-and-loop fasteners for securement and a support mount with adjustable straps for mounting on vehicles or other structures, allowing for quick release and easy access to the litter, along with a removable protective shroud for added security and convenience.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If a collapsible litter is stored in a compact configuration, then storage space is reduced, but access time and carrying convenience deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage volumeVSAvoidaccess time
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The litter is divided into modular components (carrier bag, support mount, straps) that can be independently assembled and disassembled. The carrier bag itself is segmented into collapsible sections that fold into a compact configuration for storage, yet can be quickly expanded and accessed when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The litter carrier is pre-assembled with all necessary components (straps, fasteners, support structures) already integrated and ready. The collapsible design is pre-configured so that when accessed, the litter can be rapidly deployed from its compact state without requiring assembly steps, thus reducing access time while maintaining compact storage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Loss of time

If a litter carrier is designed for quick access, then retrieval speed is improved, but securing reliability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveretrieval timeVSAvoidsecuring reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The fastening mechanism is extracted as a separate, dedicated component (hook-and-loop fastener system) rather than being integrated into the overall structure. This allows the fastening system to be independently optimized for both quick engagement and reliable securing. The carrier bag can be quickly attached to or detached from the support mount through this specialized fastening interface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The carrier design incorporates dynamic elements including collapsible sections that can transition between stored and deployed states, and adjustable straps that can be quickly tightened or released. The hook-and-loop fastening system provides dynamic attachment capability, allowing rapid connection and disconnection while maintaining secure holding when engaged.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If a support mount is made adjustable for various structures, then versatility is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemounting versatilityVSAvoidmounting complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The support mount is designed with universal attachment capabilities that can accommodate various mounting surfaces and structures. The hook-and-loop fastening system serves multiple functions: attaching the carrier to the support mount, securing the litter within the carrier, and providing quick-release capability. This multi-functionality reduces the need for multiple specialized components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The adjustable mounting system is designed to be self-adjusting through simple user actions. The straps and fasteners can be quickly tightened, loosened, or repositioned without requiring tools or complex mechanisms. The collapsible carrier automatically adjusts to fit within the support mount structure, eliminating the need for complex adjustment mechanisms while maintaining versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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

The apparatus enables secure, efficient storage and transport of patient transport litters, ensuring quick access and protection, while allowing for easy mounting and dismounting on various support structures, enhancing operational efficiency for medical and emergency personnel.

Implementation Method 1

a flexible bag-like litter carrier with hook-and-loop fasteners for securement

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHook-and-loop fastening: Mechanical Fastener

Implementation Method 2

a support mount with adjustable straps for mounting on vehicles or other structures

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS8118201B1Storage and carrier apparatus for patient transport litter
Publication Date: 2012.02.21 SKEDCO INC
  • US8118201B1 patent drawing
  • US8118201B1 patent drawing
  • US8118201B1 patent drawing

AI summary

An apparatus for carrying a patient transport litter includes a support mount for releasably mounting a separate litter carrier for carrying a patient transport litter. The support mount includes a mounting panel adapted to be mounted to a supporting structure and a pair of flexible side flaps that wrap around the litter carrier to secure the litter carrier to the support mount in a storage condition. Each side flap includes a fastener or buckle component for releasably joining together the respective side flaps snugly around the litter carrier, to thereby releasably secure the litter carrier to the support mount and the supporting structure. The litter carrier may include carrying straps for facilitating transport to a site of injury, where the litter carrier is opened and the patient transport litter removed from the litter carrier for use in transporting an injured person.