Multi-arm Robot Patient Transfer and Posture Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing number of disabled individuals and the shortage of nursing staff in China lead to high nursing costs and intense physical demands on caregivers, as existing nursing beds require strong physical strength to relocate patients between different equipment, such as cleaning beds and hospital beds, without adequate mechanical assistance.
Innovation Solution
A multi-arm robot system comprising a manipulator module, trunk module, chassis moving module, and control module, with manipulators acting at key points on the body and equipped with omnidirectional wheels and a control system for safe and efficient patient posture conversion and transfer between various medical devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual patient transfer is performed by nursing staff, then patient relocation between equipment is achieved, but nursing staff experience tremendous work intensity and physical demand
Solution Approach 1:
The robot system performs patient transfer operations autonomously without requiring nursing staff to physically move patients. The manipulators automatically grasp the patient, and the chassis moves the entire system to relocate the patient between equipment, enabling the system to serve itself in the patient transfer task
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical system of nursing staff with an automated robotic system. The manipulators with multiple degrees of freedom and the omnidirectional chassis create a mechanical substitution that eliminates the need for human physical effort in patient transfer operations
2Adaptability or versatility
If nursing beds are used for posture conversion, then patient posture change is achieved, but strong physical strength from nursing staff is still required for patient carrying
Solution Approach 1:
The robot system separates the posture conversion function from the carrying function. The manipulators handle the patient's body segments at multiple points (shoulder, waist, knee) to achieve posture conversion, while the chassis provides the lifting and moving force, dividing the task into independent functional modules
Solution Approach 2:
The manipulator system serves multiple functions: it can convert patient posture between sitting and lying positions, carry the patient, and transfer the patient between different equipment. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate devices for each operation
3Reliability
If multiple manipulators are used for patient handling, then patient transfer safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple manipulators into a single integrated robotic system with a common control module and chassis. The manipulators work cooperatively under unified control, reducing operational complexity while maintaining the safety benefits of multiple contact points with the patient
4Adaptability or versatility
If omnidirectional wheels are used for chassis movement, then patient transfer mobility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The chassis incorporates a telescopic counterweight mechanism that balances the weight of the manipulators and patient load. This counterweight system enables the omnidirectional wheels to move the heavy load efficiently, reducing the complexity of the drive system while maintaining high mobility
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-arm robot for realizing conversion between sitting and lying posture of patients and carrying patients to different positions is disclosed. The complete robot includes a manipulator module, a trunk module, a chassis moving module and a control module. The manipulator module comprises at least three manipulators, which are connected with the trunk module by linear modules. The trunk module comprises a trunk body and four linear modules, which are connected with the chassis moving module by bolts. The chassis moving module comprises a plurality of omnidirectional wheels and a telescopic counterweight. The control module includes an actuator module, an operation module, an information acquisition module, a motion control module, a data processing module, a communication module and an early warning module.