Stretcher Handle Wireless Control Integration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing stretcher handles face challenges in integrating wireless control means without increasing thickness, which can damage the handle and disrupt wireless communications due to the metal support bar acting as a Faraday cage.

Innovation Solution

A handle with a support bar featuring a slot for battery integration inside the bar and an electronic circuit mounted around the support bar to minimize thickness and interference, with connections and a movable battery support for easy replacement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If wireless control means are integrated into the handle, then wireless communication capability is improved, but the handle thickness increases which can damage the handle during use

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewireless communication capabilityVSAvoidhandle thickness
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The electronic circuit and battery are integrated inside the hollow metal support bar, nesting the wireless control components within the existing handle structure. This eliminates the need for additional external components that would increase handle thickness, as the components are housed within the existing hollow space of the support bar.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the electronic circuit is placed around the metal bar, then wireless communication capability is improved, but the metal bar acts as a Faraday cage and blocks wireless transmissions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewireless communication capabilityVSAvoidwireless signal blockage
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The electronic circuit is extracted from the interior of the metal support bar and positioned in the front portion of the handle away from the metal bar. This separation removes the source of wireless signal blockage from the transmission path, allowing wireless communications to proceed without interference from the Faraday cage effect of the metal support bar.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Adaptability or versatility

If battery holder and electronic circuit are integrated into the handle, then wireless control functionality is improved, but the handle structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewireless control functionalityVSAvoidhandle structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The hollow metal support bar serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for the stretcher weight, contains the battery holder for power supply, and houses the electronic circuit for wireless control. By making the support bar multi-functional, the patent avoids adding separate structural elements, thereby reducing overall structural complexity despite integrating multiple components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

This design allows for a compact handle with integrated wireless communication, enabling wireless control of electronic devices like motorized trolleys without excessive thickness or communication disruption, while maintaining ergonomic functionality.

Implementation Method 1

it is not possible to integrate the electronic circuit inside the metal support bar because this bar would act as a Faraday cage and at least partially block wireless transmissions

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFaraday cage effect: Faraday Cage

Data Source

PatentEP3791843B1Device for gripping a stretcher, associated stretcher and motorised carriage with integrated wireless controls for motorised functions
Publication Date: 2023.07.05 CDC GRP
  • EP3791843B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3791843B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

This stretcher gripping device (10) is of the type comprising: • a hollow metal support bar (11) intended to be secured to said stretcher to support the weight of a patient; and • a handle (12) fixed to one end of said support bar (11). The support bar (11) and the handle (12) have a slot (14, 15) adapted to integrate a holder (16) for at least one battery (17) in said support bar (11). The handle (12) has a front portion (18) formed around said support bar (11) and supports an electronic circuit comprising wireless communication means; said electronic circuit being connected to said holder (16) by means of connections passing through said slot (14) of said support bar (11).