Multidirectional Wheel Power Assist for Patient Lift Maneuvering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing patient transport systems, such as lifts, require significant effort and can be strenuous for caretakers to maneuver, especially when moving patients in omnidirectional movements across a floor, as they often lack efficient multidirectional wheel solutions that facilitate precise placement and control.
Innovation Solution
A power assisting system with multidirectional wheels that can rotate in three rotational directions, equipped with motors and speed-measuring means, allows for user-friendly power assistance by adjusting the assisting rotation based on measured wheel speeds, enabling easier movement of bodies in various directions without the need for traditional user interfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional wheels are used on patient lifts, then the structure is simple, but the caretaker experiences strenuous effort when maneuvering the lift across the floor
Solution Approach 1:
The wheel arrangement is segmented into multiple independent multidirectional wheels, each capable of omnidirectional movement. This segmentation allows the lift to be maneuvered in any direction independently without requiring complex mechanical linkages between wheels, thus improving ease of operation while keeping individual wheel components relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from traditional unidirectional or bidirectional wheels to multidirectional wheels that can rotate and move in multiple dimensions (omnidirectional movement). This dimensional enhancement allows the caretaker to push or pull the lift in any direction without requiring complex steering mechanisms, directly improving ease of maneuvering.
2Measurement precision
If free-moving wheels allowing omnidirectional travel are used, then precise placement and positioning are enabled, but the movement remains strenuous for the caretaker
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates sensors that automatically detect the caretaker's pushing or pulling actions and the lift's movement in real-time. This self-service capability allows the system to autonomously determine the desired movement direction and adjust wheel orientations without requiring the caretaker to manually position or steer each wheel, reducing effort while maintaining precise placement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical steering and positioning operations with an automated control system that uses sensors to detect caretaker input and electronically controls wheel orientations and movements. This substitution eliminates the need for complex mechanical steering linkages and reduces the physical effort required while achieving precise placement through electronic control.
3Ease of operation
If multiple sensors and automated control are added to reduce caretaker effort, then ease of operation improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is designed to perform multiple functions using a unified architecture: it detects caretaker input, calculates optimal wheel orientations, controls multidirectional wheel movements, and monitors placement precision all through a single integrated system. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized components for each function, thereby improving ease of operation while limiting the increase in overall system 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
The system reduces the effort required for caretakers to maneuver patient lifts by providing continuous power assistance across multiple directions, enhancing user experience and safety by allowing precise placement and control with reduced user-initiated rotation, even after the user's contribution.
Implementation Method 1
a motor connected to the wheel for providing an assisting rotation of the wheel in the wheel's first or second rotational direction
Implementation Method 2
means for measuring a speed of rotation of the wheel in the wheel's first and second rotational direction
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A power assisting system (1) for providing power assistance to a user moving a body (2). The system (1) comprises a first wheel arrangement (7) for providing a first assisting rotation, the first wheel arrangement (7) comprising a multidirectional wheel (3) arranged on the body (2); a motor (12) connected to the wheel (3) for providing an assisting rotation to the wheel (3); and means (15) for measuring a speed of rotation of the wheel (3). The system (1) further comprises a control unit (16) adapted to adjust a first measured speed of rotation of the wheel (3) and at least one previously measured speed of rotation of the wheel (3), the first assisting rotation providing power assistance to the user in moving the body (2). Thereby, multidirectional movement of a body (2) is hence enabled along with enablement of user friendly power assistance.