Patient Transport Frame with Movable Head Section for Tight Spaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Patient transport apparatuses face challenges in navigating through small spaces due to their large footprint, which can lead to collisions and potential damage or harm, especially when moving into rooms or elevators with limited dimensions.
Innovation Solution
The patient transport apparatus features a support frame with articulating sections, including a head section and back section, that can be reconfigured to reduce its footprint, utilizing actuators and sensors to automatically adjust the configuration to avoid obstacles, and feedback mechanisms to alert caregivers of potential collisions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of moving object
If the patient transport apparatus uses a standard fixed configuration, then the structural stability is maintained, but the footprint remains large causing collisions in small spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The support frame is transformed from a static structure to a dynamic one with articulating sections that can change configuration. The head section and back section can articulate relative to each other, allowing the apparatus to adapt its footprint from an extended configuration to a collapsed configuration, resolving the contradiction between maintaining structural stability and reducing footprint in small spaces
Solution Approach 2:
The support frame is divided into multiple articulating sections (head section, back section, etc.) that can move independently relative to each other. This segmentation allows the apparatus to collapse into a smaller footprint by articulating the sections, while maintaining structural integrity through controlled movement mechanisms
2Area of moving object
If the apparatus is moved into smaller spaces to reduce footprint, then space utilization is improved, but the risk of collision and damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus performs preliminary actions by automatically articulating its sections to optimize footprint before entering narrow spaces. The controller receives input signals and proactively adjusts the configuration of the head and back sections to minimize the footprint, preventing collision risks before they occur rather than reacting after contact
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the controller monitors the position and configuration of articulating sections, and automatically adjusts them to maintain optimal footprint. This feedback loop ensures the apparatus adapts its configuration in real-time to avoid collisions while moving through constrained spaces
3Ease of operation
If the support frame is configured to reduce footprint, then maneuverability in tight spaces is improved, but the patient support surface may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patient support deck is segmented into multiple sections that can articulate independently. This allows the support surface to be reconfigured to reduce the overall footprint of the apparatus for better maneuverability, while each segment maintains its structural integrity to continue providing reliable patient support during and after articulation
Data Source
AI summary
A patient transport apparatus comprises support structure. The support structure comprises a base, a support frame, and a patient support deck. A headboard and a footboard are coupled to the support structure. The support frame comprises a head section and a body section, the body section coupled to the patient support deck. The patient support deck comprises a patient support surface capable of articulating relative to the support frame. The head section is movable relative to the body section to define first and second configurations of the support frame, the support frame having a first footprint in the first configuration and a second footprint, smaller than the first footprint, in the second configuration.