Retractable Stop Coupling for Patient Transport Equipment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current solutions for securing medical equipment to patient transportation systems, such as stretchers and wheelchairs, are inadequate as they do not provide quick release, secure attachment, ease of access, and fail to account for the cumulative weight of the equipment.
Innovation Solution
A coupling system comprising a base member connectable to the patient transport system and a positioning member connectable to the equipment, with a retractable stop member and an actuation system allowing for quick and secure attachment and release of the equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If straps or seat belts are used to secure medical equipment, then the equipment can be attached to the patient transport system, but the attachment is not secure enough during high acceleration and uneven surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The stop member is designed to be movable between extended and retracted positions, allowing the coupling system to dynamically adapt between locked and unlocked states. This dynamic mechanism provides secure attachment during transport while enabling quick release when needed, resolving the contradiction between attachment security and quick release capability
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient member automatically biases the stop member to the extended position, providing self-locking functionality without requiring continuous manual intervention. The system self-regulates to maintain secure attachment during transport while allowing intentional release through actuator operation
2Ease of operation
If current mounting solutions are used, then equipment can be transported, but access to the equipment is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling system is divided into separate components (base member, positioning member, stop member, actuator) that can be independently positioned. The positioning member can be placed at optimal locations for both access and security, while the modular design allows the equipment to remain accessible during transport without compromising attachment stability
3Reliability
If equipment is secured firmly during transportation, then stability is improved, but the release process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The locking function is extracted into a separate, dedicated stop member that can be independently actuated. This separation allows the secure locked state to be maintained during transport while enabling rapid release through simple actuator operation, eliminating complex release procedures and reducing release time
4Reliability
If multiple components are used to secure heavy equipment, then attachment security is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functional components (locking mechanism, positioning structure, resilient biasing element, and actuator) are merged into an integrated coupling system where the base member and positioning member work together as a unified assembly. This consolidation provides secure attachment for heavy equipment while maintaining relatively simple overall structure and ease of operation
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 coupling system enables secure attachment and easy release of medical equipment, ensuring stability during transportation, including high acceleration and uneven surfaces, while allowing single-person operation and accommodating various equipment sizes and configurations.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient member for resiliently biasing the retractable stop member towards the extended position
Data Source
AI summary
Coupling system comprising: a base member connectable to a patient transport system, and a positioning member releasably couplable to the base member and equipment; the base member comprising: a recessed portion for receiving a positioning member end portion and having an opening defined in a base; and a retractable stop member in the recessed portion and moveable between extended and recessed positions and which is resiliently biased to the extended position; the positioning member comprising: an end portion receivable in the recessed portion and engageable with the retractable stop member when the positioning member is positioned in the recessed portion.