Variable Geometry Transport Device for Hospital Logistics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual transportation of sick beds and other objects in hospitals is time-consuming and physically demanding, requiring multiple staff members and inefficient use of resources due to the lack of automated systems for moving objects within hospital buildings.
Innovation Solution
A transport device equipped with motor-driven omnidirectional wheels and a variable geometry chassis, allowing for autonomous or semi-autonomous movement, adaptable to different object sizes and shapes, and featuring a lifting mechanism for easy handling and navigation, enabled by sensors and a control unit for navigation and collision avoidance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual transportation of sick beds and objects is performed by staff, then flexibility in handling different objects is maintained, but physical effort and time consumption increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The transport device is equipped with autonomous navigation capabilities including sensors (laser range finders, ultrasonic sensors, cameras) and control units that enable the device to navigate, avoid obstacles, and transport objects without continuous human intervention, thereby reducing physical effort while maintaining high productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical pushing with an automated motor-driven transport system that uses electronic control and sensing systems to perform transportation tasks, eliminating the need for staff to physically push sick beds while significantly improving transport efficiency
2Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed-geometry transport device is used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different object sizes and shapes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The chassis features variable geometry with adjustable wheelbase and track gauge that can be dynamically reconfigured to match different object dimensions, allowing the transport device to adapt to various sick bed sizes and shapes while maintaining manageable complexity through motorized adjustment mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The transport device is designed as a universal platform capable of handling multiple types of objects (sick beds, containers, equipment) through its adjustable chassis configuration, enabling one device to perform multiple transport functions rather than requiring specialized devices for each object type
3Ease of operation
If omnidirectional wheels with variable wheelbase are used, then maneuverability and adaptability improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs motor-driven omnidirectional wheels (such as Mecanum wheels) that use electronic control systems to achieve complex maneuvers, replacing traditional mechanical steering mechanisms and providing superior maneuverability while managing complexity through integrated motor control
4Productivity
If autonomous navigation with sensors is implemented, then labor requirements are reduced, but device complexity and initial cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The transport device incorporates autonomous navigation capabilities with laser range finders, ultrasonic sensors, and cameras that enable the system to independently navigate hospital environments, avoid obstacles, and complete transport tasks without human intervention, significantly reducing labor requirements despite increased system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The navigation system uses multiple sensors to continuously monitor the environment and provide feedback to the control unit, enabling real-time path planning and obstacle avoidance, which achieves high automation levels through closed-loop control systems
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
The transport device significantly reduces the physical effort required for moving objects, enabling efficient and autonomous transportation of various hospital items, including sick beds and containers, by adapting to different sizes and shapes, and optimizing logistics within hospital environments.
Implementation Method 1
motor-driven omnidirectional wheels
Implementation Method 2
sensors, which are configured to interact with the surrounding and a control unit connected with the sensors
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention specifies a transport device for carrying and moving objects (17, 19) from one location to another, comprising a chassis (1) and at least four motor-driven omnidirectional wheels (3) arranged on the chassis (1), whereas the chassis (1) is configured to adapt the wheelbase and the track gauge of the omnidirectional wheels (3) according to the size of the object (17, 19). A corresponding method for operating such transport device is specified as well. The advantage of the invention lies in the universal usage of the transport device for nearly all sizes and shapes of an object.