Roll-In Cot Mechanical Loading for Automatic Leg Release
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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, allowing the cot to automatically release and lock legs when loaded or unloaded, reducing the need for manual effort by the operator.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual leg release is used in conventional emergency cots, then the structure remains simple, but the operator must bear the full weight of the cot and stretcher making operation difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical loading system is pre-configured with actuators, carriage members, and linkage mechanisms that automatically activate during the loading process. When the stretcher is pushed onto the cot, the front carriage member slides along its track and triggers the front actuator, which through the middle release lever and latch pin mechanism, automatically releases the trailing legs without requiring manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The cot's loading system serves itself by using the kinetic energy and motion of the stretcher being loaded to automatically trigger the leg release mechanism. The sliding motion of the carriage member directly actuates the actuator, which then releases the legs through the mechanical linkage, eliminating the need for external manual operation.
2Extent of automation
If automatic mechanical loading system is implemented, then leg release is automated, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical loading system is divided into distinct functional segments: front and rear carriage members that slide independently, front and rear actuators that operate separately, and a middle release lever that coordinates between them. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function with simpler individual designs rather than one complex integrated system.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a complex motorized or electronically controlled system to achieve automation, the invention inverts the approach by using pure mechanical advantage through levers, linkages, and sliding tracks. The automation is achieved through the natural motion of loading the stretcher, which reverses the typical control sequence by letting the load itself trigger the release mechanism.
3Ease of operation
If the operator supports the weight to disengage locking mechanism, then the trailing legs can be released, but this requires additional manual effort
Solution Approach 1:
The middle release lever acts as an intermediary mechanism between the front actuator and the trailing leg locking system. When the front carriage member triggers the front actuator, the middle release lever transmits this motion through the latch pin to the trailing legs, automatically disengaging their locking mechanisms without requiring the operator to manually support weight or perform additional actions.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of a roll-in push cot may comprise a support frame comprising a pair of lateral sides extending between a front end and a rear end, and a pair of slidable tracks disposed in the lateral sides; a pair of leading legs and a pair of trailing legs pivotally connected to the support frame; a front carriage member slidingly disposed within the pair of slidable tracks at the front end of the support frame, and a mechanical loading system coupled to the support frame and connecting the pair of leading legs with the pair of trailing legs, wherein the mechanical loading system comprises a front actuator disposed on the support frame in the motion path defined by the front carriage member, such that movement of the front carriage member triggers the front actuator and thereby initiates the release of the trailing legs.