Powered Roll-In Cot with Independent Actuators

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing emergency cots are unsatisfactory in managing weight and balance during loading into ambulances, requiring manual support and not allowing for easy loading at various heights or on uneven terrain.

Innovation Solution

A versatile multipurpose roll-in emergency cot with a support frame, front and back legs, and a cot actuation system, featuring dual hydraulic actuators that allow independent movement of the front and back ends, enabling easier loading and unloading on ambulances and other vehicles.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single actuator is used to lift the cot, then the structure is simpler, but the ability to manage weight and balance during loading is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveactuator system structureVSAvoidweight management during loading

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The single actuator is divided into two independent actuators (front actuator and rear actuator) that can operate separately. This segmentation allows independent control of the front and rear legs, enabling precise weight management and balance control during loading operations, while maintaining relatively simple individual actuator designs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The actuator system transitions from a static, fixed-position single actuator to a dynamic system with two independently controllable actuators. This allows the cot to adapt its lifting characteristics in real-time during loading, managing weight distribution and balance dynamically as the cot is positioned at various angles and heights.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Device complexity

If the cot is designed for fixed-height loading, then the structure is simpler, but the adaptability to load at various heights is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheight adjustment mechanismVSAvoidloading height flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The cot system transitions from a fixed-height design to a dynamic height-adjustable system. The independent front and rear actuators can extend and retract to position the cot at various heights, allowing adaptation to different loading scenarios including ground level, vehicle thresholds, and elevated platforms, while maintaining a relatively simple base structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The cot is designed with universal adaptability to load patients from various heights and surfaces. The independent actuator system enables the same cot to function effectively whether loading from ground level, a lowered vehicle ramp, or an elevated platform, making it versatile for multiple rescue and medical transport scenarios.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Device complexity

If manual support is required during loading, then the equipment is simpler, but the ease of operation and operator effort are worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveactuation systemVSAvoidmanual effort required

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The cot system provides self-service during loading operations through its dual actuator system. The actuators automatically manage the lifting and positioning of the cot and patient without requiring manual support from operators. The system self-regulates weight distribution and balance, eliminating the need for operators to physically support the load during transfer operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The manual mechanical support previously required from operators is replaced with an automated actuation system. The hydraulic or electric actuators substitute for human physical effort, providing powered assistance that manages the heavy loads and complex balancing requirements during patient loading, significantly reducing operator exertion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Device complexity

If the cot uses a fixed wheelbase, then the structure is simpler, but the ability to operate on uneven terrain is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewheelbase configurationVSAvoidterrain adaptability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The cot transitions from a fixed wheelbase configuration to a dynamic, adjustable wheelbase system. The independent front and rear actuators can move the wheels to different positions along the frame, allowing the wheelbase length to be adjusted dynamically. This enables the cot to adapt to uneven terrain, narrow doorways, and various spatial constraints while maintaining a relatively simple base frame structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS11464685B2Powered cots

Publication Date: 2022.10.11 FERNO WASHINGTON INC

AI summary

According to one embodiment, a roll-in cot may include a support frame, a pair of front legs, a pair of back legs, and a cot actuation system. The pair of front legs may be slidingly coupled to the support frame. Each front leg includes at least one front wheel. The pair of back legs may be slidingly coupled to the support frame. Each back leg includes at least one back wheel. The cot actuation system includes a front actuator that moves the front legs and a back actuator that moves the back legs. The front actuator and the back actuator raises or lowers the support frame in tandem. The front actuator raises or lowers the front end of the support frame independently of the back actuator. The back actuator raises or lowers the back end of the support frame independently of the front actuator.