Universal Extraction Arm for Hospital Trolley Washing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing washing chamber systems for trolleyed objects, such as hospital beds and gurneys, require specific equipment for each type of object due to varying wheel dimensions and sizes, leading to increased operating times and costs, and manual contact risks.
Innovation Solution
An automatic extraction device with a movable extraction arm that attaches to the head wall of trolleyed objects, allowing for universal extraction by adjusting its height and position, eliminating the need for specific equipment based on object type and reducing manual contact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If specific equipment is provided for each type of trolleyed object based on wheel dimensions, then the extraction can be performed accurately for that specific object type, but the device complexity increases and operating time increases due to needing to change equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal extraction device that can handle multiple types of trolleyed objects (hospital beds, gurneys, stretchers) with a single standardized interface. The extraction device uses a common attachment mechanism that interfaces with the head wall of different object types, eliminating the need for multiple specialized equipment sets and reducing device complexity while maintaining extraction reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adjusts the attachment position parameter along the head wall to accommodate different object types. Instead of changing the equipment itself, the system modifies the attachment location parameter on the head wall, allowing the same extraction device to work with various wheel configurations and object dimensions, thereby reducing equipment variety while maintaining extraction accuracy
2Reliability
If specific equipment is provided for each type of trolleyed object, then the extraction can be performed accurately, but the operating time increases due to equipment changes and setup
Solution Approach 1:
The universal extraction device eliminates the need to change equipment between different object types, allowing operators to continuously extract various trolleyed objects using the same standardized mechanism. This reduces operating time by eliminating equipment changeover and setup procedures while maintaining extraction accuracy through the standardized head wall interface
Solution Approach 2:
The extraction device is pre-configured with a standardized attachment mechanism that is ready to interface with any trolleyed object's head wall. This preliminary preparation of the extraction system eliminates the need for on-the-spot equipment adjustments or changes, reducing operating time while ensuring reliable extraction accuracy
3Adaptability or versatility
If manual contact is used for extraction, then the operator can handle various object types flexibly, but the operator is exposed to unsanitary environments and contamination risks
Solution Approach 1:
The automated extraction device performs the extraction operation independently without requiring operator intervention inside the washing chamber. The device autonomously attaches to the head wall, activates the interference mechanism, and extracts the object, eliminating operator exposure to unsanitary environments while maintaining the flexibility to handle various object types through programmable control
Solution Approach 2:
The automated extraction device serves as an intermediary between the operator and the trolleyed objects inside the washing chamber. It performs the contact-intensive extraction operation remotely, protecting operators from contamination exposure while maintaining handling flexibility through automated control systems that can adapt to different object types
4Productivity
If a standardized universal extraction device is used, then the device complexity is reduced and operating time decreases, but adaptability to different object types must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The standardized extraction device maintains adaptability to different object types by adjusting the attachment position parameter along the head wall. This parameter modification allows the same device structure to accommodate various wheel configurations and object dimensions, maintaining productivity while ensuring versatility across different trolleyed object types
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
Plant (10) for washing trolleyed objects (11) provided with a head wall (11 a). The plant (10) comprises a washing chamber (12) to wash the trolleyed objects (1 1), and an extraction device (13) working under traction, to extract the trolleyed objects (1 1) from inside the washing chamber (12) to an unloading zone outside the washing chamber (12). The extraction device (13) comprises an unloading structure (15) defining the unloading zone, a movement mechanism (16) assembled on an upper wall (19) of the unloading structure (15), and an extraction arm (17) assembled on the movement mechanism (16) and provided with attachment members (22) which cooperate from above with the head wall (1 1a). The movement mechanism (16) moves the extraction arm (17) between a first position, in which the attachment members (22) are inside the washing chamber (12) and cooperate from above with the head wall (11a), and a second position, in which the attachment members (22) are outside the washing chamber (12) and carry out the extraction of the trolleyed object (11).