Patient Transfer Wheel Layout for Low-Effort Maneuvering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing patient transfer devices face challenges with high user effort, reduced manoeuvrability, and increased energy consumption due to motorized wheels at the rear end, leading to difficult turning and patient swinging during transport.
Innovation Solution
A patient transfer device with a strategically positioned supporting wheel, either non-swivel or motorized, mounted between the front and rear wheels, allowing for improved manoeuvrability and reduced effort through a judicious pivot point, with a transmission system for vertical motion control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If two motorized swivelling wheels are used at the rear end, then motorized assistance is provided, but the turning radius becomes large and the system becomes costly and power demanding
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the motorized assistance function into two separate components: a single motorized wheel at the rear for propulsion, and a separate manual swivelling mechanism at the front for steering. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently, reducing the need for complex motorized swivelling systems while maintaining manoeuvrability.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of motorizing the swivelling mechanism as in prior art, the patent inverts the approach by making the propulsion wheel motorized while keeping the swivelling mechanism manual. This reversal of which function is motorized reduces energy consumption and system complexity while achieving the desired motorized assistance effect.
2Ease of operation
If one big motorized swivelling wheel is used at the rear end, then motorized assistance is provided, but manoeuvrability is reduced and the floor lift turns around the patient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates the propulsion function (motorized wheel) from the steering function (manual swivelling mechanism), allowing independent optimization of each. The motorized wheel provides assistance without needing to swivel, while the front swivelling wheels handle turning, preventing the device from rotating around the patient.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual swivelling mechanism at the front acts as an intermediary that enables steering without requiring the motorized rear wheel to swivel. This intermediate steering mechanism allows the device to change direction while maintaining stable patient positioning.
3Productivity
If motorized assistance systems are added to existing chassis, then patient transfer is assisted, but the equipment becomes heavy and difficult to control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the swivelling function from the motorized wheel and places it in a separate manual mechanism at the front. This extraction allows the motorized wheel to focus solely on propulsion, reducing its size and weight requirements, while the manual swivelling mechanism provides lightweight steering control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a dynamic system where the motorized wheel can be engaged or disengaged as needed, and the manual swivelling mechanism can be operated independently. This dynamic configuration allows the system to adapt to different operational requirements, improving controllability while maintaining transfer efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
A patient transfer device (10) and a method of controlling the patient transfer device is provided. The patient transfer device (10) comprises a chassis (100) having a plurality of wheels (110) and a vertically extending support structure (200). The patient transfer device (10) further comprises one motorized wheel (210).