Patient Stretcher Adapter With Quick-Release Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current patient stretcher and incubator transport systems require cumbersome and time-consuming processes to exchange between a chassis, as existing solutions do not allow for simple and quick attachment and detachment of both the upper stretcher and incubator attachment or frame without disassembling the adapter from the chassis.
Innovation Solution
A trough-shaped adapter with integrated fastening elements, holding elements, and a lock case that securely attach and detach the upper stretcher and incubator attachment or frame to the chassis without requiring the adapter to be removed, allowing for easy exchange by hand, and reinforced with additional elements for enhanced stability and force absorption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the adapter is permanently attached to the chassis with fastening elements, then the upper stretcher is securely fixed, but the exchange process becomes time-consuming and cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter is divided into separate functional components: a base body that remains attached to the chassis, and detachable upper stretcher/incubator attachments. This segmentation allows the base to stay permanently secured while only the upper components need to be exchanged, reducing overall exchange time while maintaining secure fixation during use.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastening elements are designed to transition between locked and unlocked states dynamically. The retaining elements can quickly shift from a locked position (securing the upper stretcher) to an unlocked position (allowing rapid exchange), enabling the system to adapt between secure fixation and easy exchange modes without permanent attachment.
2Productivity
If the adapter structure is simplified for easy exchange, then the exchange process becomes faster, but the stability and force absorption during transport deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter base body is pre-attached to the chassis with robust fastening elements before the upper stretcher or incubator is mounted. This preliminary action ensures that the structural foundation is already strengthened and ready to absorb transport forces, while only the upper components need to be quickly exchanged without compromising overall stability.
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the adapter have different structural qualities optimized for their specific functions: the base body features reinforced construction for strength and force absorption during transport, while the upper stretcher/incubator attachment points use simpler, quicker-release mechanisms for rapid exchange. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between exchange speed and transport stability.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to adapters for a patient stretcher. The adapter comprises a tub-shaped base body (10) that is attached to a chassis of the patient stretcher. Furthermore, the adapter comprises at least one fastening element (20, 20') that is attached to the base body (10) and that is configured to receive and secure a connecting element of an incubator attachment or an incubator frame. Simultaneously, the adapter comprises at least one retaining element (30, 30') that is attached to the base body (10) and that is configured to hold a frame bar of an upper stretcher, as well as a lock box (40) that is attached to the base body (10) and that is configured to receive and secure a locking element of the upper stretcher.