Patient Transport Device Adapter for Vehicle Loading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing patient transport devices lack flexibility and efficiency in loading and unloading patients from vehicles, particularly in emergency and rescue scenarios, due to limitations in adaptable designs and secure, tool-free connections to varying vehicle loading areas.
Innovation Solution
A patient transport device equipped with an adapter element that allows for damage-free, tool-free coupling to vehicle loading areas, featuring a shape-adapted design with lateral guide elements and quick-release fasteners, enabling safe and rapid movement of patient stretchers and incubators between the device and the vehicle, along with a bearing unit for storage and varied coupling options.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a patient transport device is designed with fixed connection geometry, then the device structure is simple, but it cannot adapt to different vehicle loading areas
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter element incorporates a movable connection geometry that can be adjusted between different positions to match various vehicle loading area shapes. This dynamic adaptability allows the same adapter design to work with different vehicle types without requiring multiple specialized adapters, thus improving versatility while maintaining reasonable structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter element is designed as a universal component that can couple to multiple different vehicle loading area configurations. By incorporating adjustable connection points and a movable structure, a single adapter design serves multiple functions across different vehicle types, eliminating the need for vehicle-specific adapters.
2Productivity
If tool-free quick connection is implemented, then loading speed is improved, but connection reliability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system replaces complex multi-step mechanical fastening operations with a simplified single-action coupling mechanism. The adapter element features a quick-connect interface that can be attached and detached with a single motion, eliminating the need for tools while maintaining secure connection through engineered mechanical interlocking features.
Solution Approach 2:
The quick-connect mechanism is designed to automatically align and engage connection features without requiring manual intervention or tools. The self-aligning geometry and spring-loaded coupling elements ensure reliable connection through the simple action of bringing the adapter into contact with the vehicle loading area, making the connection process both fast and reliable.
3Adaptability or versatility
If adapter element with movable connection geometry is used, then versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter element is divided into modular segments with distinct functional zones: a coupling interface for the vehicle, a movable connection geometry section with adjustable connection points, and a stretcher interface. This segmentation allows each portion to be optimized independently while maintaining overall simplicity, as the movable geometry consists of discrete, easily manufactured components.
Data Source
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AI summary
To increase flexibility in the use of a patient transport device (10, 12, 14), a patient transport device (10, 12, 14) for transferring a patient from a vehicle (16) is proposed, comprising a chassis (18) and a stretcher mounting unit (20) designed to accommodate and/or store at least one patient stretcher and/or at least one transport incubator with a patient. The patient transport device (10, 12, 14) includes at least one adapter element (22, 24, 26, 28) designed for detachable connection with the stretcher mounting unit (20) and shaped to engage with a loading platform (30) of the vehicle (16).