Auxiliary drive for wheelchair ramps for automatic transport of wheelchairs

Abstract

Box with motorized drive, sensors and rollers to detect the position of a wheelchair (1).

Description

[0001] Wheelchair users who drive up a conventional ramp alone, without assistance, have to exert a lot of effort However, many people, especially older people and those with disabilities, cannot afford this alone. These people, like everyone else, should have the opportunity to be independent and not be dependent on others in their daily lives. In addition, a conventional ramp for wheelchair users must have a gradient of 6-15%, depending on whether an accompanying person is available who has to push the wheelchair up manually. Furthermore, weather conditions play a significant role, as manual operation (with or without an attendant) significantly influences the required effort and also represents a significant hazard. In some cases, it might not be possible to raise the ramp due to weather conditions.

[0002] A box with a drive (1) is attached to a wall or railing next to a conventional ramp, which, when activated, either moves independently along the wall or railing. Rollers are attached to this box. which are originally located in the ground in front of the ramp (2) (3). To use the auxiliary drive, a wheelchair user must stand between the rollers and the beginning of the ramp and press a button nearby. This causes the rollers, driven by a structure in the box, to rise from the ground and position themselves at a perfect position on the wheelchair's rear wheels, detected by sensors, and begin to rotate. (4) The roller has a certain structure that sits firmly on the wheels and rotates them. (4) The box has a drive that raises the rollers and rotates them. The box moves along a rail in the wall, or on a railing (5). The This rotational movement, in turn, causes the rear wheels to rotate, thus "pushing" the wheelchair upwards. In the final position, the wheels are returned to their original position by another actuation of the auxiliary drive. During the descent, the wheelchair user holds onto a bar, which provides additional security (6).

Claims

[1] Box with motorized drive, sensors and rollers to detect the position of a wheelchair (1). [2] Structured castors suitable for propelling a wheelchair (4). [3] A little further along the rail, where the auxiliary drive moves upwards, a rod is attached that moves up with the rollers and allows you to hold on while driving (6). [4] A reversing guard is installed in the track, similar to that found in roller coasters (chain drive). Alternatively, a variant comparable to a nail barrier in parking lots can be implemented. These move up / out after passing or over the track, thus preventing the auxiliary drive from slipping during the ride. [5] When the reversing protection is triggered, the device is stopped and the wheelchair is prevented from slipping. [6] The device's wheels should also be movable and able to be bent to a certain degree to push the wheelchair straight if it is tilted. Sensors in the wheels determine the position to transport the wheelchair straight on the ramp.

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