Browsing by Author "Menon, Vijayendra Anil"
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- Product development approach for a stabilized ambulance stretcherPublication . Menon, Vijayendra Anil; Bastos, João Augusto de SousaThe level of vibrations that a patient experiences during ambulance transport is often too high. The ambulance crew must take measures to reduce the effects of vibration. Currently, they do it by reducing the speed at which the ambulance transports the patients or by deviating from the shortest routes to routes that have better conditions for transport. The deviation in the route is required to avoid speed bumps, potholes and other obstacles that cause high vibration peaks. These vibrations are most severe in the vertical direction. The human body is most sensitive to vibrations in the range from 0.1 to 80 Hz, and it is within this range that the dominant vertical vibrations of an ambulance stretcher occur. The vibrations experienced can be reduced by placing an active stabilization unit in between the stretcher mattress and the legs of the stretcher. This active system performs vibration compensation in real time. The system is controlled with a data logger which collects the vibrational information from the road and transfers that data to the control system. The system is based on a spring-motor configuration. The springbased systems help to keep the mattress in position thereby reducing the effects of vibration and improving the comforts of patient transport. Since the stabilization unit increases the weight of the stretcher, currently this device cannot be employed for nonpowered stretchers. A business plan for the product launch is analyzed. The business plan provides the information to make this product market ready. A financial analysis is also performed to support the claims of the business plan. The business plan is focused on launching the stabilization device and then provides insight into developing stretcher solutions for the market.