Sensor-Guided Stretcher Braking for Steering and Ramp Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mobile supports, such as hospital beds and stretchers, face significant challenges in safely maneuvering and braking, particularly during steering and braking maneuvers, which can pose safety risks to caregivers and patients.
Innovation Solution
A mobile support equipped with a sensor system to sense displacement forces and a deceleration system controlled by a processor to apply decelerating influences to selected rolling elements, facilitating safe steering and braking through machine-readable instructions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual steering and braking maneuvers are performed on mobile supports, then the device can be operated without additional systems, but the forces exerted on caregivers during maneuvering become excessively high and safety is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a deceleration system with sensors and controlled braking forces as an intermediary between the caregiver and the mobile support. This system mediates the interaction by automatically sensing movement and applying appropriate braking forces, thereby reducing the physical burden on caregivers while maintaining safety control
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile support system performs self-regulation through automated deceleration and braking functions. The sensor system detects caregiver input and the control system automatically adjusts braking forces without requiring manual intervention, allowing the device to serve itself in managing its own motion and safety
2Reliability
If traditional braking systems are used on mobile supports, then the system remains simple, but the ability to quickly brake when stopping or descending ramps is insufficient compromising safety
Solution Approach 1:
The braking system transitions from static, fixed-brake configurations to dynamic, adaptive braking. The system continuously adjusts braking forces based on real-time sensor data about caregiver movement, speed, and terrain conditions, enabling quick response when stopping or descending ramps while maintaining system simplicity through automated control
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback loop where sensors monitor the mobile support's motion and caregiver input, and the control system adjusts braking forces accordingly. This closed-loop feedback enables rapid braking responses to safety-critical situations while keeping the system architecture relatively simple through intelligent control algorithms
3Reliability
If no deceleration system is installed, then the device structure remains simple, but the ability to control steering and braking maneuvers precisely is lost reducing safety
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces purely mechanical steering and braking control with an integrated sensor-based control system. Instead of relying on direct mechanical linkage between caregiver input and wheel control, the system uses sensors to detect movement and electronic control to modulate braking forces, achieving precise control with reduced mechanical complexity
Data Source
AI summary
A mobile support such as a stretcher includes a left rear rolling element and a right rear rolling element. The support also includes a sensor system adapted to sense displacement force applied to the support, and a deceleration system. Provided the bed is moving in a forward direction, machine readable instructions executed by a processor cause the deceleration system to apply a decelerating influence to selected members of the set of rolling elements in response to the sensed displacement force in order to assist braking and steering maneuvers.