Two-Piece Litter System With Segmented Frame And Couplers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current military litter systems are heavy, bulky, difficult to assemble, and often 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 easy assembly and disassembly, enabling two soldiers to carry each piece, with features like hinges, spreader bars, and couplers for rapid deployment and secure locking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If conventional military litter systems are used, then structural integrity and payload capacity are maintained, but weight and bulk increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The litter system is divided into two separate pieces that can be carried individually. Each piece contains a portion of the frame structure, and when assembled together they form the complete litter. This segmentation reduces the weight each soldier must carry while maintaining the overall structural integrity through the coupling mechanism.
2Ease of operation
If conventional litter systems are used, then load capacity is sufficient, but assembly difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The frame pieces are pre-configured with coupling mechanisms and hinge connections that enable rapid assembly. The spreader bars are pre-attached to the frame sections, and the couplers are designed with alignment features that guide proper connection. This preliminary preparation allows two soldiers to assemble the complete litter quickly in the field without complex procedures.
3Productivity
If litter systems are made compact, then transportability improves, but availability during missions decreases
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the litter into two compact pieces, each soldier can carry one piece individually during combat operations. The pieces are small enough to be transported separately but can be rapidly assembled when needed, ensuring both compactness for mobility and availability when extraction is required.
4Weight of moving object
If two soldiers carry the complete litter, then payload capacity is maintained, but individual soldier burden increases
Solution Approach 1:
The complete litter is divided into two separate pieces that together weigh less than traditional single-piece litters. Each soldier carries one piece, distributing the total weight evenly. The segmented design with coupling mechanisms allows the pieces to be carried separately while maintaining the ability to form a complete structure when assembled.
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.