Motorized Transport Structure Wheel Positioning Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current motorized transport structures in the healthcare field lack simplicity of use and flexibility, requiring improvements in comfort and industrial production costs.
Innovation Solution
A motorized transport structure with a support frame, main wheel groups that can be configured into free, half-locking, and locking positions, and an auxiliary wheel group, controlled by a control unit and actuator means, including a control device for enabling signals to optimize movement and prevent undesired movements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If motorized transport structures include multiple wheel groups with complex control mechanisms for positioning and movement control, then maneuverability and safety are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit automatically determines the operating position of main wheel groups using sensor means and autonomously commands actuator means to adjust wheel positions. This self-service approach eliminates the need for complex manual control mechanisms while maintaining safety and maneuverability through automated position detection and adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
Sensor means detect the operating position of main wheel groups and provide feedback signals to the control unit. The control unit processes this feedback and automatically adjusts wheel positions via actuator means, creating a closed-loop control system that ensures safety without requiring complex manual intervention mechanisms.
2Ease of operation
If motorized transport structures include automated control units with sensor means for determining wheel positions and commanding actuators, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit automatically determines the operating position of main wheel groups using sensor means and autonomously commands actuator means to adjust wheel positions. This self-service approach eliminates the need for complex manual control mechanisms while maintaining safety and maneuverability through automated position detection and adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical control operations are replaced by an automated control unit that uses sensor means to detect wheel positions and electric actuator means to adjust them. This substitution of mechanical control with automated electro-mechanical systems simplifies user operation while managing complexity through integration.
3Ease of operation
If main wheel groups are designed with multiple positions (free, half-locking, locking) for optimal maneuverability, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The main wheel groups are designed with dynamic positioning capabilities, allowing automatic transition between free, half-locking, and locking positions based on operational requirements. This dynamic design enables optimal maneuverability while the automated control system manages the complexity of position transitions, making the system adaptable rather than statically complex.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator means serve multiple functions: they can lock wheels in place, unlock them for free movement, and position them in intermediate half-locking states. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require separate mechanisms for each position, simplifying manufacturing while maintaining operational flexibility.
Data Source
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AI summary
Transport structure (1) for healthcare or similar use, characterized in that it comprises: - a support frame (2); - a plurality of main wheel groups (3) operatively connected to said support frame and each comprising a wheel (31); - a control mechanism (4) operatively connected to said main wheel groups (3), said control mechanism being operable to make said main wheel groups take a free position (L), a half-locking position (D) or a locking position (B); - first actuator means (5) operatively connected to said control mechanism and operable to actuate said driving mechanism and make said main wheel groups take said free position (L), said half-locking position (D) or said locking position (B); - an auxiliary wheel group (6) operatively connected to said support frame and comprising a driving wheel (61) capable of moving in a travel direction, said driving wheel being operable to move said transport structure in a travel direction; - a supply battery (9) for supplying electrical and electronic components (5, 7, 8) of said transport structure; - a control unit (8) capable of controlling the operation of said first and second actuator means (5, 7); - a control device (30) operatively connected to said control unit (8). The aforementioned control unit (8) is adapted to perform a control procedure configured in such a way as to put the transport structure in optimal manoeuvring conditions, in response to an enabling signal (Y) sent by said control device.