Rolling Transport Cot Linkage for Height Adjustment and Loading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rolling transport cots lack the flexibility and adaptability to facilitate effective patient treatment and loading onto emergency vehicles, particularly in scenarios requiring height adjustments and stabilization during transport and treatment.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates an elongate frame supported by adjustable linkages, a swivel caster, and a modular support system that allows for varying heights and configurations, including a cardiopulmonary resuscitation state, with a brake mechanism for stability and a removable stretcher with orientation indicators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the undercarriage linkages are collapsed to facilitate loading onto emergency vehicles, then the loading efficiency is improved, but the stability and treatment capability during transport deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The undercarriage linkages are designed to be dynamically adjustable between extended and collapsed states. The linkage system includes movable joints and connecting elements that allow smooth transition between configurations, enabling the cot to adapt its structure based on operational requirements - extended for stability during treatment, collapsed for efficient loading onto emergency vehicles.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the stretcher is provided at a height sufficient to clear the platform, then the loading capability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The stretcher height is made dynamically adjustable through the linkage system that connects the undercarriage to the stretcher frame. By actuating the linkage mechanism, the stretcher can be raised to clear emergency vehicle platforms for loading, or lowered to reduce overall device complexity and facilitate maneuverability during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The linkage system serves multiple functions: it adjusts stretcher height for loading capability, supports the patient weight, and enables the undercarriage to articulate between different configurations. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate mechanisms, thereby managing device complexity while maintaining adaptability.
3Ease of operation
If the operator supports the weight during undercarriage collapse, then the loading process is simplified, but the operator safety and patient comfort deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The linkage system is designed with mechanical advantage that distributes and supports the patient weight during the collapse operation. The linkage arms and joints are configured to bear loads, reducing the manual support required from the operator and minimizing physical strain while maintaining safe and comfortable patient transport.
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, a rolling transport cot may include an elongate frame, one or more support linkages, an arcuate coupling member, and a swivel caster. The one or more support linkages may include a pivoting link that is in rotatable engagement with the elongate frame, a traveling link that is in sliding and rotatable engagement with the elongate frame, and an equalizing link that is in rotatable engagement with the traveling link. The arcuate coupling member can be in rotatable engagement with the pivoting link and the equalizing link. The swivel caster may include a wheel that rotates along a surface and a swivel mechanism that can rotate around an axis that is aligned with the surface at a swivel angle φ. When the traveling link is urged along the elongate frame, the swivel angle φ of the swivel mechanism can be substantially constant.