Shock Absorbing Support Arm for Medical Litter
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Solution Overview
Problem
Litter support assemblies in portable medical care units face challenges in minimizing the transfer of shock loads from vehicles during turbulence, impacts, or other shocks, which can cause injury to patients and damage to equipment.
Innovation Solution
A shock absorbing support arm assembly is designed with a support arm and a shock absorbing device connected between the arm and a mounting bracket, which absorbs and dissipates shock loads, preventing their transfer to the litter and patient.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a shock absorbing device is added to the support arm assembly, then the ability to minimize shock load transfer is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shock absorbing device is extracted as a separate, removable component from the support arm assembly. This allows the shock absorption function to be added only when needed, rather than making shock protection an inherent part of the basic support structure. The device can be independently installed or removed based on operational requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The support arm assembly is designed with dynamic characteristics that allow it to adapt to shock loads. The arm itself incorporates flexible elements and mounting configurations that enable it to absorb and dissipate shock energy, reducing the need for additional complex shock protection mechanisms.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the support arm assembly is designed to be adjustable and adaptable to different litters, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support arm assembly is designed with universal mounting brackets and adjustable components that can accommodate multiple litter types and configurations. The same basic assembly can be used across different vehicle platforms and with various litter designs, reducing the need for multiple specialized components.
Solution Approach 2:
The support arm assembly is divided into modular segments that can be independently adjusted or configured. This segmentation allows for easy adaptation to different litter sizes and shapes while keeping each individual component relatively simple in design.
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 effectively reduces the impact of shock loads on patients and equipment, enhancing safety and reducing the risk of injury and damage during vehicle operations.
Implementation Method 1
a shock absorbing device connected to the second end of the support arm and adapted to be disposed between the support arm and a wall of a vehicle
Implementation Method 2
a shock absorbing device connected to said attachment end to dampen shock loads being transferred from a vehicle to the litter support assembly
Data Source
AI summary
A shock absorbing support arm assembly for a litter support assembly that includes a support arm comprising a first end and a second end opposite the first end, a shock absorbing device disposed at the second end of the support arm, and a litter side shaft engagement mechanism disposed at the first end of the support arm. The support arm assembly may also comprise a mounting bracket connected at the second end of the support arm such that the shock absorbing device is positioned between the mounting bracket and the support arm. The support arm may move along an axis of the shock absorbing device and relative to the mounting bracket and may pivot about the axis relative to the mounting bracket.