Ambulance patients are subjected to high vibration levels
because of the lack of coordination of damping characteristics of
vehicle and stretcher in modern ambulances. A parameter study
optimized the dynamic characteristics of the stretcher support in
relation to the vehicle by drawing on data of a previous
investigation. By these means a new stretcher support was designed
and constructed. The following features were incorporated:
- vibrational characteristics tuned to vehicle suspension,
regardless of loading
- feet-first positioning of patient in driving direction
- arbitrary height level of patient
- vibrational characteristics independent of position
- free space under stretcher
- ease of loading and unloading
- attachment of mechanical components (stretcher guidance and
vibration-damping systems) to driver cab wall
Driving tests with a prototype model showed that the driving
comfort values which were computer optimized were indeed realized.
As noted, vibrational-characteristics were also greatly
improved.