Patient Transport Equipment Mount With Pivot Clamp and Quick Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for securing medical equipment to patient transportation systems fail to provide secure restraint, easy access, and quick release, while also accommodating different medical devices and handling the cumulative weight of the equipment.
Innovation Solution
A mounting apparatus with a frame and clamping system that allows the frame to pivot between upright and reclined positions, featuring a clamping system with a pivot pin and interengaging elements, and a coupling device with a base member and release member for easy attachment and detachment of equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If straps or seat belts are used to secure medical equipment, then the equipment can be attached near the patient, but the equipment cannot be securely restrained during high acceleration and deceleration
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting apparatus is divided into separate functional components: a base member that attaches to the transport system, a release member that interfaces with the equipment, and a stop member that provides locking functionality. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall system performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting apparatus transitions from a static strap-based system to a dynamic mechanism with movable stop members and spring-loaded ball bearings that can actively respond to acceleration forces. The stop members can extend to lock equipment in place during high-g events while allowing easy release when not in use.
2Ease of operation
If medical equipment is placed on the patient or attached with straps, then access to equipment is possible, but quick release is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting apparatus employs spring-loaded ball bearings that automatically engage with recesses to secure the release member to the base member. This self-locking mechanism provides secure attachment without requiring additional fasteners or complex locking procedures, enabling quick release when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The traditional mechanical strap-and-buckle system is replaced with a more sophisticated mechanism combining spring-loaded ball bearings, movable stop members, and recess-based engagement. This substitution provides both secure attachment and quick release capabilities that neither straps nor simple clips can achieve alone.
3Adaptability or versatility
If existing mounting solutions are adapted for particular equipment, then secure restraint is achieved, but adaptability to different medical devices is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting apparatus is designed with universal compatibility features: the base member can attach to various transport systems, the release member interfaces with different equipment types, and multiple recesses accommodate various equipment sizes and configurations. This universality allows a single apparatus design to securely restrain diverse medical devices without requiring equipment-specific adaptations.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting apparatus accommodates different equipment parameters through adjustable features: the position of recesses can be varied to match different equipment footprints, the stop member travel distance can be modified, and the spring tension can be adjusted. These parameter changes enable the same basic design to adapt to various medical devices while maintaining secure restraint.
4Strength
If heavy medical equipment is transported without proper mounting, then ease of transportation is improved, but equipment damage and patient injury occur
Solution Approach 1:
The locking and securing functions are extracted from the main mounting structure and implemented through separate, specialized components: movable stop members for positioning, spring-loaded ball bearings for locking, and recess-based engagement for securing. This extraction allows each function to be performed by dedicated elements, reducing overall system complexity while enhancing security.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting apparatus introduces intermediary elements between the transport system and the medical equipment: the base member acts as an intermediary attachment point, the release member serves as an intermediary interface, and the stop members function as intermediaries for positioning and securing. These intermediaries distribute and manage the forces and complexities of securing heavy equipment, protecting both the equipment and the transport system.
Data Source
AI summary
A mounting apparatus for moveably securing equipment to a patient transport system, the mounting apparatus comprising: a first arm having a proximal end, a distal end and a longitudinal axis, and configured to support equipment; and a clamping system attachable to the patient transport system and configured to receive the proximal end of the first arm for removeably attaching the first arm to the patient transport system and for allowing a rotation of the first arm relative to the patient transport system between an upright position and a reclined position.