Litter Platform Support System for Emergency Vehicle Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current litter platform support and positioning systems in emergency medical services, such as those in helicopters, are inadequate as they require attendants to work in awkward postures, occupy excessive space, and lack mechanisms for efficient loading and orientation of litter racks, necessitating high manpower and time.
Innovation Solution
A self-contained, space-efficient litter platform support and positioning system with multi-tiered support means and adjustable components, including electric drive motors, lift columns, and spring curtains, allowing for full-body movement and independent adjustment of litter platforms in vertical, horizontal, rotational, and axial directions, enabling efficient patient access and loading.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If litters are attached to the floor or fixed bench within the helicopter, then the patient can be transported, but the attendants must work in awkward postures and occupy excessive space
Solution Approach 1:
The litter platform is made dynamically adjustable in height and position rather than being fixed to the floor. The electric drive motors enable the platform to move between different elevations and orientations, allowing attendants to work in comfortable positions while optimizing space utilization at any given moment
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces vertical dimensionality by elevating the litter platform above the floor level. This allows the platform to be positioned at optimal heights for medical procedures while keeping the floor space below available for other equipment or personnel movement
2Quantity of substance
If tiers of stationary litter racks are employed, then multiple patients can be transported, but there is no mechanism to assist in loading upper litter racks or moving the racks in various orientations
Solution Approach 1:
Each litter platform is equipped with a complete set of electric drive motors and control systems that enable it to perform multiple functions: vertical movement for loading, horizontal positioning, and rotational orientation. This universal capability across all litter tiers eliminates the need for manual handling and simplifies operations
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical system of fixed litter racks is replaced with an electrically-driven automated system. Electric drive motors substitute for human physical effort in lifting, moving, and orienting litters, making the loading and positioning operations significantly easier and more efficient
3Device complexity
If manual systems are used for litter positioning, then the system is simpler, but an unacceptable level of manpower, physical effort, and loading time is required
Solution Approach 1:
The litter platforms are equipped with self-powered electric drive systems that enable autonomous movement and positioning without requiring external manual intervention. The platforms can adjust their own position, elevation, and orientation automatically, reducing the need for multiple attendants and minimizing loading time
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical operations are replaced with electrically-driven automated systems. The electric drive motors provide the necessary force and control for moving litters, substituting human physical effort with electrical power and automated control mechanisms, thereby improving productivity while maintaining manageable system complexity
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 system provides maximum accessibility for medical caregivers in confined spaces, reduces manpower and loading time, and meets stringent regulatory requirements, ensuring safe and efficient Advanced Life Support care during transport.
Implementation Method 1
an electric drive motor operatively coupled to and adapted to rotate a drive screw to independently adjust and control the location of each litter support assembly
Implementation Method 2
adapted to rotate a drive screw to independently adjust and control the location of each litter support assembly
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure includes litter platform support and positioning systems described generally comprising at least one lift column mounted to an interior floor in an emergency vehicle or structure. The lift column is connected to at least one support assembly, the at least one support assembly adapted to receive and position a litter assembly. In some implementations, the support assembly is connected to the lift column and adapted to independently adjust the litter assembly vertically, laterally, longitudinally, and rotate 360°. The litter platform support and positioning system further includes at least one individual motor associated with each lift column which is operatively connected to a drive screw to independently adjust and control the location of each support assembly to individually position a corresponding litter platform assembly.