Rear Caster Brake Assembly With Accessible Top-Mounted Actuator

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing brake assemblies for patient handling apparatuses are either not functional, not easily accessible, or not safe to use, particularly when the apparatus is in different positions, posing risks of sudden movement during patient transfer.

Innovation Solution

A brake assembly with a brake actuator coupled to a rear caster's caster neck, allowing control over the caster's wheel movement, featuring a lever or button activation for easy access and ensuring the apparatus remains stationary during patient handling, with three operational modes: total lock, non-braking, and directional lock.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the brake actuator is located on the caster wheel, then it is close to the braking mechanism, but it becomes inaccessible when the apparatus is in certain positions

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveAccessibility of brake actuatorVSAvoidAccessibility in all positions

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The brake actuator is relocated from the horizontal plane (on the caster wheel) to the vertical dimension (on top of the lift base), allowing it to remain accessible regardless of the apparatus orientation or position on the track

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of operation

If the brake assembly is made simple and accessible, then it is easy to operate, but it may not provide sufficient braking functionality

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveEase of brake activationVSAvoidBraking function effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The brake assembly is divided into separate functional components: a brake actuator for activation, a brake element for friction contact, and a caster wheel with braking surface, allowing each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall simplicity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The brake element automatically engages with the caster wheel when the actuator is activated, and the weight of the apparatus itself provides the normal force needed for effective braking without requiring additional complex mechanisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Volume of moving object

If the brake assembly is designed to be compact, then it saves space, but it becomes difficult to access and operate

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveSize of brake assemblyVSAvoidAccessibility of brake controls

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The lift base structure serves as an intermediary platform that supports the brake actuator in an accessible location on top of the base, separating the actuator from the caster wheel while maintaining a compact overall design

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS20240180765A1Brake assembly of a transporting means for a patient handling apparatus

Publication Date: 2024.06.06 ARJO IP HLDG AB

AI summary

Brake assembly (18) of a transporting means (20) for a patient handling apparatus (10). The brake assembly (18) is adapted to control movements of a wheel (14a) of at least one rear caster (14) by a brake actuator (18a). The brake actuator (18a) is adapted to be coupled to a caster neck (14c) of said at least one rear caster (14). The caster neck (14c) extends through a lift base (11) of the patient handling apparatus (10) such that the brake actuator (18a) is located on top of the lift base (11) and the wheel (14a) of the rear caster (14) is located below the lift base (11).