Mobile device with integrated patient support

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current patient transport systems in vehicles, such as aircraft, are inefficient as they require dedicated space for stretchers, leaving no room for patients who become ill during travel and do not allow for direct accommodation of stretchers within the cabin.

Innovation Solution

A mobile device with a compact, foldable carrying device featuring rotatably mounted wheels and pivotable segments that can be folded into a compact shape, allowing it to be easily stored and deployed within the cabin, along with a frame that complements the carrying device for minimal space usage and includes a vacuum mattress for patient positioning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a stretcher is placed in the aircraft cabin to transport patients, then patient transport capability is improved, but cabin space is blocked and passenger seats are occupied

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepatient transport capabilityVSAvoidcabin space
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The stretcher is divided into multiple segments that can be folded relative to each other, allowing the stretcher to be compacted into a smaller volume for storage in the aircraft cabin while maintaining full functionality when deployed for patient transport

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The stretcher incorporates movable and foldable components that allow it to transition between a compact stored state and an expanded operational state, enabling space-efficient storage while providing full patient transport capability when needed

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Area of stationary object

If a compact foldable carrying device is used to minimize space, then cabin space usage is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecabin space usageVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The carrying device is segmented into multiple foldable sections that can be collapsed into each other, reducing the overall footprint when stored while maintaining structural integrity and functionality when deployed

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The segments of the carrying device are designed to nest within each other when folded, with each segment containing or supporting the next, achieving compact storage similar to a nested doll structure while managing the complexity through standardized connection mechanisms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentEP3919034B1Mobile device with integrated patient support
Publication Date: 2024.07.10 AIRBUS OPERATIONS GMBH
  • EP3919034B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3919034B1 patent drawingFigure 3~6
  • EP3919034B1 patent drawingFigure 7~9

AI summary

A mobile device with an integrated patient carrying device is proposed, comprising a base with rotatably mounted wheels on an underside for moving the base on a floor, a frame attached to an upper side of the base which is open on at least one side, and a carrying device with segments pivotably mounted relative to each other, wherein the segments are designed to fold the carrying device into a first form in which all segments connect to each other in one plane, and into a second form in which the carrying device is compacted, and wherein the carrying device and the frame are designed to be complementary to each other, so that the carrying device can be fully inserted into the frame in the second form.