Stretcher Transport Frame With Active Leveling Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing stretcher transport frames fail to accurately adjust for uneven surfaces and maintain a horizontal patient position, as they cannot compensate for surface irregularities or modify the stretcher's inclination during transport.
Innovation Solution
A frame with independent movement modules equipped with four-bar linkage mechanisms and robotic arms, along with automatic adjusting mechanisms using sensors and actuators, allows for precise adjustment of the stretcher's position and orientation to maintain a horizontal plane despite surface unevenness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional transport frames are used, then the structure is simple, but the ability to compensate for surface unevenness and maintain horizontal positioning is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment mechanisms including four-bar linkage mechanisms and robotic arms that can actively adapt the stretcher platform's position and orientation in real-time to compensate for surface unevenness, transforming a static frame into a dynamically adjustable system
Solution Approach 2:
The frame is divided into independent movement modules, each equipped with its own four-bar linkage mechanism and robotic arm, allowing individual adjustment of different sections to handle complex surface irregularities while maintaining overall system manageability
2Productivity
If manual adjustment is required, then the device is easier to control, but operator intervention is needed which reduces efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates automatic adjusting mechanisms with sensors that detect surface conditions and autonomously control the robotic arms and four-bar linkage mechanisms to maintain horizontal positioning, eliminating the need for manual operator intervention while achieving rapid adjustment
Solution Approach 2:
Sensors are integrated into the movement modules to detect the position and orientation of the stretcher platform, providing real-time feedback to the control system which automatically adjusts the mechanisms to maintain the desired horizontal position despite surface variations
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
Ensures optimal patient transport by maintaining a horizontal position and compensating for surface irregularities automatically, without operator intervention, providing stable and intuitive operation.
Implementation Method 1
a first four-bar linkage mechanism (6) mounted on the movement module (2) and a second four-bar linkage mechanism (7) interposed between the first four-bar linkage mechanism (6) and a supporting platform (8) for a stretcher
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3
AI summary
A frame (1) for transporting a stretcher (B) comprising at least one movement module (2) equipped with wheels (3) and configured for movement on a surface. The frame (1) also comprises a supporting platform (8) configured to receive in coupling a table of a stretcher (B) and supporting means (5) interposed between the at least one movement module (2) and the supporting platform (8). The supporting means (5) are adjustable so as to vary a height and at least one angle of orientation of the supporting platform (8) during an operational movement of the transport frame (1) along the aforementioned surface so as to compensate for irregularities or inclinations of the surface while maintaining a predetermined spatial orientation of the supporting platform (8).