Roll-In Push Cot Leg Release Mechanism for Single-Operator Loading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional emergency roll-in cots require operators to manually release legs while bearing the weight of the cot and stretcher, making it cumbersome and inefficient for single operators to manage the cot's weight during loading and unloading processes.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a mechanical loading system with a front actuator and rear reset actuator, coupled with sliding carriage members and hinge mechanisms, which automatically release and lock the leading and trailing legs when the cot is loaded or unloaded, allowing for easier handling and weight management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional emergency cots are used, then the stretcher can be removed from the support frame, but the operator must manually release the legs while bearing the weight of the cot
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical loading system is pre-configured with actuators and linkages that automatically activate upon loading the cot onto a surface. The system performs the leg release action in advance of the operator's direct intervention, eliminating the need for manual weight-bearing release operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The cot's mechanical loading system uses the loading action itself to trigger the leg release mechanism. The system serves itself by converting the loading motion into automatic actuator activation, which then releases the legs without requiring separate manual operation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the cot is designed with removable stretcher, then the stretcher can be separately removed from the support frame, but the complexity of the release mechanism increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical loading system merges the stretcher removal function with the leg release function into a single integrated mechanism. The actuator system that controls leg positioning also controls stretcher attachment and removal, reducing the number of separate mechanisms required.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator and linkage system serves multiple functions: it positions the legs, enables stretcher attachment, and facilitates stretcher removal. This multi-functional design reduces overall system complexity compared to having separate mechanisms for each function.
3Ease of operation
If automatic leg release is implemented, then the operator effort is reduced, but the mechanical loading system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical loading system introduces actators and linkages as intermediary components that translate the loading motion into leg release actions. These intermediaries automatically mediate between the operator's loading action and the leg release function, reducing direct operator effort while managing complexity through standardized actuator components.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of a method of operation of a roll-in push cot for transport onto a first surface comprising initially loading the roll-in cot onto a first surface thereby releasing automatically at least one leading leg, continuing of loading the roll-in cot onto the first surface to move a front carriage member toward a front actuator, such that movement of the front carriage member triggers the front actuator that releases a middle release lever, thereby initiating the release of at least one trailing leg, supporting the weight of the cot at least partially in order to disengage a locking mechanism for the at least one trailing leg, and loading the cot in order to move a rear carriage member in conjunction with folding of the at least one trailing leg and thereby trigger a reset actuator and release a latch pin to engage the rear carriage member when the trailing and leading legs of the roll-in push cot are in a fully folded position on the first surface.