Reducing vibration exposure for premature babies during ambulance transfer
Xi Engineering Consultants developed and validated a vibration isolation system for neonatal transport, using real ambulance measurements and dynamic analysis to protect premature infants during critical transfers between hospitals.
The Challenge
Specialist ambulance teams across the UK regularly transport premature and critically ill babies between hospitals. During these journeys, the incubator and mounting system are exposed to road induced shocks and continuous vibration. Excessive motion can compromise patient safety and comfort, as well as sensitive medical equipment. The client needed a compact, robust isolation system that would fit within existing ambulance layouts, reduce vibration transmitted to the crib and satisfy stringent safety and regulatory requirements for medical transport.
Our Approach
Xi first instrumented neonatal transfer journeys to capture the real vibration environment experienced by the ambulance, frame and crib. Using these measurements, we analysed vibration transmissibility from the vehicle chassis through to the neonatal bed, identifying key frequencies and structural resonances. Dynamic models of the mounting system and crib were then developed to explore isolation concepts and tune stiffness and damping characteristics. The preferred solution combined a new isolation frame with revised mounting hardware for the crib, designed to attenuate critical frequencies while maintaining stability and crashworthiness. The design was refined iteratively using simulation and checked against applicable safety standards for medical transport equipment.
The Results
Why it matters
Healthcare providers increasingly need to move patients and equipment safely between sites. This project shows how Xi’s measurement and dynamic modelling capabilities can be used to design practical vibration isolation solutions that improve patient safety and comfort. The same principles can be applied to MRI and CT rooms, surgical robots, laboratory equipment and other sensitive systems in the medical and life science sector.