Two-Piece Lightweight Litter Assembly for Rapid Combat Evacuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current military litter systems are heavy, bulky, difficult to assemble, and not readily available during combat missions, hindering the rapid extraction and medical treatment of injured individuals.
Innovation Solution
A compact, two-piece litter system composed of a durable, lightweight frame with a fabric and couplers that allows for easy assembly and disassembly, enabling two soldiers to carry each part, with features like hinges, spreader bars, and couplers for rapid deployment and secure locking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional military litter systems are used, then they can sustain heavy loads and provide structural stability, but they are heavy, bulky, and difficult to assemble
Solution Approach 1:
The litter system is divided into two separate pieces that can be carried individually by soldiers. Each piece contains frame sections with couplers that enable rapid assembly into a complete litter structure, reducing the weight each soldier must carry while maintaining overall structural integrity
2Stability of the object's composition
If conventional military litter systems are used, then they can provide structural stability, but they are bulky and remain on transport vehicles during field exercises
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the litter into two collapsible pieces, the overall volume is dramatically reduced for storage and transport. The pieces can be nested or carried separately, freeing up space on transport vehicles while maintaining the ability to assemble a stable litter structure when needed
Solution Approach 2:
The litter incorporates hinges and couplers that allow the structure to dynamically transition between a compact collapsed state for storage and a rigid assembled state for patient transport, optimizing both volume efficiency and structural stability
3Strength
If conventional military litter systems are used, then they can sustain heavy loads, but they are difficult to assemble under combat conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The litter pieces are pre-configured with attached fabric sections and pre-positioned couplers, so that assembly requires only simple coupling actions rather than complex construction steps. This preliminary preparation enables rapid deployment under combat conditions while maintaining structural integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The divided structure with standardized couplers allows two soldiers to independently carry and then quickly join the pieces together, significantly reducing assembly time and complexity compared to conventional single-piece litters
4Reliability
If conventional military litter systems are used, then they can provide reliable patient transport, but they are not readily available during combat missions
Solution Approach 1:
The two-piece design allows the litter to be stored in a compact form that fits readily on transport vehicles and in field storage, increasing availability. When needed, the pieces can be rapidly assembled to maintain reliable patient transport capability without compromising extraction speed
Data Source
AI summary
This invention is directed to a durable, compact, two-piece, light weight, load sustaining litter system for the transport of humans, animals or objects. The litter system comprises a litter frame, a fabric disposed between the structure of the frame, at least one hinge and at least one coupling mechanism. The litter system may be quickly assembled under adverse conditions and may be particularly beneficial in transporting individuals who are injured, disabled and/or incapable of movement under combat and/or emergency conditions.