Variable Speed Patient Transfer Apparatus Stair Navigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing patient transfer apparatuses face challenges in efficiently and safely navigating stairs, particularly in emergency situations where quick evacuation is necessary, as they often require significant manual effort and lack adaptive speed control based on the presence of a patient.
Innovation Solution
A patient transfer apparatus equipped with a motorized track system that engages stairs, featuring a control system with sensors and an operator interface to adjust speed based on the presence of a patient, slope, and operator input, allowing for safe and efficient movement up or down stairs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a motorized track system is used to support patient weight on stairs, then operator effort is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A motorized track system acts as an intermediary mechanism between the patient transfer apparatus and the stairs. The track engages with the stair structure to provide mechanical support, reducing the force required by operators while maintaining a relatively simple overall device architecture through the use of this intermediate supporting element.
2Productivity
If speed is increased for quick evacuation, then productivity improves, but safety may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patient transfer apparatus employs variable speed control that dynamically adjusts the movement rate based on operational conditions. The system can operate at higher speeds during emergency evacuations when safety protocols are maintained, and at lower speeds during routine transfers or when navigating complex stair geometries, thus optimizing both productivity and safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system incorporates feedback mechanisms that monitor operational parameters such as track engagement, patient position, and stair geometry. This feedback enables real-time speed adjustments to maintain safety while maximizing evacuation efficiency when conditions permit faster operation.
3Ease of operation
If manual control is used for precise positioning, then ease of operation is maintained, but speed is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is designed to perform multiple functions through a unified interface. It provides both automatic control modes for high-speed evacuation and manual control modes for precise positioning, allowing operators to select the appropriate control method based on the operational context. This multi-functionality resolves the trade-off between speed and positioning precision.
4Force
If the track is always engaged with stairs, then support for patient weight is maximized, but ease of operation on level ground is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The track assembly is designed with dynamic engagement capabilities, allowing it to be selectively engaged with stairs only when needed for patient weight support. When operating on level ground or in situations where stair support is not required, the track can be disengaged or repositioned, maintaining ease of operation and maneuverability while preserving the weight support function when required.
Data Source
AI summary
A patient transfer apparatus is provided and includes a frame, a seat assembly coupled to the frame, and a track assembly coupled to the frame. The track assembly includes a moveable track for traversing stairs and a motor configured to drive the track. The apparatus further includes a control system. The control system includes a controller configured to control the motor and to adjust a speed of the apparatus based on an occupancy of the seat assembly upon traversing the stairs based on a current to the motor upon traversing stairs