Modular Hospital Units with Dynamic Coupling for Flexible Layouts

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing mobile hospital units are limited in their ability to create modular, expandable, and cost-effective systems that can be easily transported and configured to provide controlled environments for patient care, often requiring separate common corridor/hallway units and locking mechanisms, which increase costs and restrict flexibility.

Innovation Solution

A modular configurable hospital system comprising patient care and support units that can be combined without locking mechanisms, using a frame structure with fibrous and metal materials, allowing for flexible orientation and expansion, and can be transported via tractor-trailer, airplane, or train, with a focus on creating a controlled environment and providing immediate access to personal protection features.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If locking mechanisms are used to attach units, then structural stability is improved, but flexibility in orientation and layout is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidflexibility in orientation and layout

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The hospital system is divided into separate modular units that can be independently positioned and configured. Each unit maintains structural integrity through its own frame structure while allowing flexible arrangement through the coupling mechanism, resolving the contradiction between stability and flexibility by segmenting the attachment function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A coupling mechanism serves as an intermediary between units, providing both structural connection for stability and enabling various orientations and configurations for flexibility. This mediator component allows units to be attached without rigid locking mechanisms, achieving both structural integrity and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If separate common corridor/hallway units are used, then patient care unit functionality is improved, but project cost is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepatient care unit functionalityVSAvoidproject cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The modular units are designed to serve multiple functions - they can be configured as patient care units, support units, or corridor/hallway spaces depending on arrangement and internal configuration. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated corridor units, reducing overall project cost while maintaining full functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention merges the functions of patient care units and corridor/hallway units into a single integrated modular system. By combining these previously separate functional elements into versatile modular units, the system reduces the total quantity of components needed and lowers project costs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Strength

If units are made exclusively of metal structural beams, then structural strength is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost are worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity and cost

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The frame structure uses composite materials combining metal structural beams with other materials (such as fibrous materials or engineered wood products). This composite approach maintains the required structural strength while reducing manufacturing complexity and cost compared to exclusive metal construction, as the alternative materials are easier and less expensive to manufacture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

4Reliability

If units are designed for fixed orientation attachment, then attachment reliability is improved, but system expandability and reconfigurability are worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment reliabilityVSAvoidsystem expandability and reconfigurability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling mechanism is designed with dynamic characteristics, allowing units to be attached in various orientations and configurations rather than fixed orientations. This dynamic attachment capability ensures reliable connections while enabling system expandability and reconfigurability as units can be added, removed, or repositioned flexibly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS11773613B2Modular configurable hospital system and method

Publication Date: 2023.10.03 THE BOLDT GRP INC

AI summary

A modular configurable hospital system is provided. The system comprises at least one unit. The system is configured with at least one patient care unit, which comprises at least one of a patient care room and a ward. The patient care units are sealably configured into at least one patient care section, and arranged end to end. A support care section, having at least one support care unit, may be provided for providing space for working, storage and other services for those working in the system. The system may be sealably configured in numerous combinations to adapt to the immediate needs of the situation, and installed indoors and in the external environment. A method of operation of the system is provided.