Patient transport apparatus with movable head section
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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 and prevent collisions with obstacles, while maintaining patient safety and mobility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of moving object
If the patient transport apparatus uses a standard fixed configuration, then it provides stable patient support, but it has a large footprint that prevents navigation through small spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The support frame is transformed from a static structure to a dynamic one with movable head section and base that can change configuration. The head section can move between retracted and extended positions, and the base can pivot between orientations, allowing the apparatus to adapt its footprint to navigate through small spaces while maintaining stable patient support when needed
2Area of moving object
If the head section is retracted to reduce footprint, then the apparatus can navigate tight spaces, but patient support and stability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the head section position based on operational needs. When navigating tight spaces, the head section retracts to minimize footprint. When providing patient care, the head section extends to full length to ensure proper patient support and stability, thus maintaining reliability across different operational states
3Area of moving object
If the support frame is configured to minimize footprint, then collision with obstructions is prevented, but the apparatus loses versatility in different operational configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The support frame incorporates movable components that enable it to switch between multiple configurations. The head section can be retracted for narrow passage navigation or extended for patient care operations. The base can pivot to different orientations to accommodate various door widths and hallway configurations, thus maintaining versatility while minimizing footprint when needed
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus changes its physical parameters (length, orientation) dynamically based on the operational context. Sensors detect the operational state and trigger appropriate configuration changes, allowing the same apparatus to optimize its footprint for navigation while maintaining full functionality for patient care
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.