Rapid-Release Anchor Fitting for Space-Saving Vehicle Securement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ambulance equipment securement systems are bulky, inefficient, and time-consuming, limiting storage capacity and requiring strenuous manual handling, which poses hazards during emergency situations.
Innovation Solution
A surface-mountable anchor with a bi-directional locking mechanism that allows for rapid engagement and release with a fitting, enabling securement and release of medical equipment from either end, reducing the need for secondary lifting and improving ergonomic installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If wall-mounted cabinets or shelves are used to secure equipment, then equipment can be stored securely, but the system becomes bulky and reduces storage capacity and available space
Solution Approach 1:
The securement system is divided into separate components: wall-mounted anchors and equipment fittings. This eliminates the need for bulky integrated cabinets or shelves, as only compact anchors are mounted on walls while equipment is secured through attached fittings, maximizing storage space.
Solution Approach 2:
The securement function is extracted from bulky cabinet structures and implemented through minimal wall anchors. This separates the securement mechanism from storage furniture, allowing equipment to be secured without requiring large cabinet or shelf structures.
2Adaptability or versatility
If restraints and carabiners are used to secure equipment, then a wider range of equipment can be stored, but the system becomes strenuous and time-consuming to use
Solution Approach 1:
The fitting incorporates a spring-loaded locking mechanism that automatically engages with the anchor when the fitting is inserted. This self-securing feature eliminates the need for manual threading and tightening of traditional restraints and carabiners, reducing physical effort while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical operation of threading restraints and clipping carabiners is replaced with a spring-loaded automatic locking mechanism. The spring force automatically secures the fitting to the anchor, eliminating strenuous manual operations.
3Reliability
If equipment is secured against the wall using multiple connection points, then securement is firm, but the operator must hold the equipment in place while attaching each connection
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loaded locking mechanism is pre-loaded and ready to engage immediately when the fitting is inserted into the anchor. This preliminary preparation of the locking mechanism allows for instantaneous securement without requiring the operator to hold the equipment in place while manually securing multiple connection points.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple connection points and locking functions are merged into a single integrated fitting-anchor system. Instead of separately securing multiple carabiners to multiple anchors, the entire securement action is combined into one insertion motion that automatically engages the spring-loaded lock.
4Reliability
If traditional securement systems are used, then equipment can be restrained during sudden maneuvers or crashes, but removal requires secondary lifting and reversing steps
Solution Approach 1:
The removal operation is inverted from the traditional approach. Instead of requiring the operator to lift the equipment and manually undo multiple connections, the spring-loaded mechanism is designed to be released by simply pulling or pushing the fitting, allowing removal without secondary lifting or complex reversal steps.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution provides faster and more efficient securement and release of medical equipment, reduces bulkiness, and allows for a wider variety of equipment storage, enhancing safety and operational efficiency in emergency settings.
Implementation Method 1
In one embodiment, the locking member can be spring-loaded, whereby the locking structure is biased into the locked position.
Data Source
AI summary
The embodiments described and claimed herein are rapid-release anchors and fittings for securing equipment to a surface of a vehicle. The embodiments described and claimed herein utilize a surface-mountable anchor capable of releasably engaging with a fitting. The anchor has channel with an open top end and an open bottom end that allow the anchor to be received and removed in both directions, up and down. The anchor includes a locking mechanism that is configured to permit single-handed insertion of the fitting into the anchor. Also disclosed herein are systems comprising multiple anchors and fittings that serve as brackets for the securement of larger devices, cabinets, handles and other pieces of equipment within a vehicle.