Modular Ambulance Simulator with Active Suspension
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing emergency medical services training devices are not easily installable or transportable, as they are heavy, bulky, and time-consuming to set up, limiting their use in indoor classroom environments.
Innovation Solution
A transferable emergency medical services training apparatus with a modular design, featuring an upper and lower base subassembly connected by active suspension, allowing for easy disassembly and reassembly, and equipped with audio/video cameras and a computer system to simulate ambulance movements and scenarios.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If actual road-going ambulance vehicles are used for training, then realistic mobile environment simulation is achieved, but the equipment becomes heavy, bulky, and difficult to transport and reassemble
Solution Approach 1:
The training device is divided into multiple modular components including a base module, enclosure module, suspension system, and medical equipment module. Each module can be independently assembled and disassembled, allowing the complete ambulance simulator to be broken down into manageable sections for transport while maintaining the realistic ambulance environment when assembled.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using actual ambulance vehicles, the invention creates a simplified replica or model that copies the essential features and functionality of a real ambulance interior. The enclosure module replicates the ambulance cabin space with appropriate medical equipment and patient areas, providing realistic training conditions without the transportation burden of actual vehicles.
2Stability of the object's composition
If permanent ambulance simulators are installed in classrooms, then stable training environment is provided, but the equipment cannot be moved or transferred to other locations
Solution Approach 1:
The training device incorporates a suspension system with air springs and shock absorbers that allows the enclosure module to be dynamically adjusted and easily detached from the base module. This dynamic design enables the simulator to be quickly assembled and disassembled while maintaining stability during use, allowing transfer between different classroom locations without permanent installation.
3Reliability
If complex suspension systems are used to simulate ambulance movements, then realistic mobile environment is achieved, but the device complexity and setup time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The suspension system utilizes air springs and hydraulic shock absorbers to simulate the movement and vibration characteristics of an actual ambulance. These pneumatic and hydraulic components provide realistic motion simulation while being relatively simple to install and maintain compared to complex mechanical suspension systems, reducing overall device 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
Enables efficient and realistic simulation of ambulance movements, allowing for effective training in indoor settings without the need for extensive setup or specialized equipment, enhancing the preparedness of medical personnel for mobile medical environments.
Implementation Method 1
The active suspension includes a large air spring, a small air spring, and a shock absorber.
Implementation Method 2
The active suspension includes a large air spring, a small air spring, and a shock absorber.
Data Source
AI summary
A remotely actuated emergency medical services training apparatus designed to simulate a moving ambulance. The apparatus is comprised of a mock up of the rear of an ambulance positioned on a set of suspension parts controlled by a computer. A lower base and an upper base are connected via a set of air springs, shock absorbers, and sway braces. The upper base is connected to the mock up of the ambulance. Air springs which move the upper base relative to the lower base are controlled by a set of programmed instructions resident on the computer or manually by a joystick controller connected to the computer. Each component of the apparatus is sized to be easily transported through typically dimensioned doorways and hallways such that assembly and disassembly within the confines of a typical classroom is possible.