Transportation system for disabled people

Abstract

The present invention refers to a transportation system (100) for transporting disabled people to difficult-to-access places. The transportation system (100) comprises a guided transport structure (101), a person transporting means (102) that is movably arranged on the guided transport structure (101), a driving mechanism (103) for moving the person transporting means (102) on the guided transport structure (101), and a control means (104) for controlling the movement of the person transporting means (102).

Description

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a transportation system for transporting disabled people to difficult-to-access places such as beaches, snowy areas, archaeological sites, uneven terrain, or locations with significant elevation changes. Further, it relates to a control means for such a transportation system.

[0002] Transportation systems for disabled individuals have become increasingly important in modern society, aiming to provide accessibility and independence to those with mobility challenges. These systems typically include various types of wheelchairs, ramps, lifts, and specialized vehicles designed to accommodate individuals with disabilities. In recent years, there has been a growing focus on developing solutions that can transport disabled persons to areas that are traditionally difficult to access.

[0003] Such a transportation system is known from GR 20190100099 A1.

[0004] However, there is room for improvement.

[0005] It is an object of the present invention to provide a transportation system for transporting disabled people to difficult-to-access places with increased operational control.

[0006] A transportation system for transporting disabled people to difficult-to-access places is provided. The transportation system includes a guided transport structure, a person transporting means that is movably arranged on the guided transport structure, a driving mechanism for moving the person transporting means on the guided transport structure. It is understood that the guided transport structure is a structure that is configured to offer a guided transport to the person transporting means. In particular, the person transporting means is arranged on the guided transport structure such that it is movable along the guided transport structure, in particular a path defined by the guided transport structure. In other words, the guided transport structure serves as the pathway or track on which the person transporting means moves. Under the term "person transporting means", any means that can receive and transport a person is understood. In particular, the person transporting means may be a wheelchair, a platform or a similar device designed to carry individuals.

[0007] This transportation system enables disabled individuals, in particular disabled persons, to access areas that were previously inaccessible, such as uneven terrains, beaches, or areas with obstacles, thereby significantly improving their mobility and quality of life. In particular, the control means can be configured to control the movement of the person transporting means such that it stops at a start position, when moving from an end position, and / or at the end position, when moving from a start position. The end position can for example correspond to the entrance into the sea, when the transportation system is installed on a beach, while the start position corresponds to the position when returning from the sea.

[0008] Advantageously, the transportation system may further comprise a control means for controlling the movement of the person transporting means. To this end, the control means is advantageously configured to control the driving mechanism for moving the person transporting means.

[0009] The control means may advantageously comprise at least one programmable logic controller (PLC). Utilizing a programmable logic controller enhances the system's reliability and flexibility, allowing for precise control and easy adaptation to various operational requirements. It is understood that the programmable logic controller is configured to control the movement of the person transporting means.

[0010] The control means may advantageously be configured to receive at least one weather parameter. The control means is here advantageously configured to control the operation of the transportation system based on the received at least one weather parameter. Thus, the operation of the transportation system can be adapted in dependence from the received at least one weather parameter, thereby enhancing its efficiency or the comfort of the transported individuals.

[0011] Advantageously, the control means may be configured prevent operation of the transportation system when / if the at least one weather parameter exceeds an operational limit.

[0012] In other words, the control means may advantageously allow the operation of the transportation system only if / when the received at least one weather parameter is below a predetermined threshold. This prevents operation in potentially dangerous weather conditions, thereby reducing the risk of accidents, and / or increases the comfort felt by the transported individuals. The predetermined threshold is a threshold, below which the operation of the transportation system is allowed and can be of qualitative or quantitative nature.

[0013] Allowing the operation of the transportation systems may in particular comprise providing electrical power to the driving mechanism and / or allowing the movement of the person transporting means on the guided transport structure. Correspondingly, preventing operation of the transportation system may in particular comprise cutting off power to the driving mechanism and / or stopping the movement of the transportation system on the guided transport structure.

[0014] If the at least one weather parameter is received during movement of the person transporting means and found below the predetermined threshold, the control means may be configured to stop the operation of the transportation system, in particular cut-off power and / or stop the movement of the person transporting means on the guided transport structure, immediately or after the person transporting means has reached a start position of the transportation system. The latter configuration, namely bringing the person transporting means to the start position of the transportation system, is more preferred than the immediate stop of the operation of the transportation system.

[0015] The transportation system may advantageously further comprise at least one sensor for determining the at least one weather parameter, wherein the control means is configured to receive the at least one weather parameter from the at least one sensor. Incorporating sensors for real-time weather monitoring allows for immediate response to changing environmental conditions, further enhancing user comfort. The at least one sensor may comprise a wind intensity sensor and / or an air humidity sensor and / or an air temperature sensor.

[0016] Alternatively, or in addition to the presence of the at least one sensor for determining the at least one weather parameter and providing it to the control means, the at least one parameter may be received by the control means via the communication unit, in particular the wireless communication module.

[0017] The at least one weather parameter may advantageously comprise a wind intensity and / or air humidity and / or air temperature. Monitoring these specific weather parameters provides a comprehensive assessment of environmental conditions so that an improvement of the operation of the transportation system, e.g. by adjusting operation parameters of the transportation system, can be achieved. For instance, high wind intensity may pose a risk to the stability of the transportation system in extremely windy situations, while high air humidity or temperature may affect the comfort of the transported individuals.

[0018] In particular, the control means is configured to allow the operation of the transportation system only if the received wind intensity and / or the received air humidity and / or air temperature is / each are below a predetermined threshold. The corresponding thresholds can be named as wind intensity threshold, air humidity threshold and air temperature threshold.

[0019] According to an advantageous embodiment, the control means is configured to allow the operation of the transportation system only if the received wind intensity is below 5 Beaufort, i.e. below 38km / h, preferably below 29 km / h, and the received air temperature below 40 degrees Celsius. This is in particular advantageous when the transportation system is installed on a beach, as swimming under these conditions might not be ideal for disabled people.

[0020] The transportation system may advantageously further comprise a communication unit for receiving and / or sending data from / to an external device. This communication capability enables remote monitoring and control of the transportation system, facilitating efficient maintenance and operation.

[0021] The communication unit may advantageously comprise a wireless communication module for communicating with the external device. In particular, the wireless communication module may advantageously comprise or be formed as a GSM modem. Wireless communication enhances the system's flexibility and allows for real-time data transmission without the need for physical connections. However, the communication may alternatively or in addition to the wireless communication module comprise a wired interface for communicating with the external device to the transportation system / physically connecting the external device to the transportation system.

[0022] In particular, the control means may be configured to send data via the wireless communication module, in particular the GSM modem, by email and / or sms.

[0023] The external device may in particular be a mobile phone, a tablet, a computer, a server etc. The computer may for example be installed in a control centre from which a person can remotely monitor the transportation system.

[0024] The transportation system may advantageously further comprise a camera for capturing an image and / or video of at least a part of the transportation system and / or the surroundings of the transportation system. Here, the control means is advantageously configured to receive the image and / or the video and send it via the communication unit to the external device. The inclusion of a camera provides visual monitoring capabilities, enhancing security and allowing for remote assessment of the system's condition and surroundings. In particular, the user of the external device receiving the image and / or the video of at least the part of the transportation system and / or the surroundings of the transportation system may check whether someone has tried to vandalize the transportation system. It is understood that the camera is connected to the control means.

[0025] The control means may advantageously be configured to collect data about the operation of the transportation system and send the collected data via the communication unit to the external device. This data collection and transmission feature enables comprehensive monitoring of the system's performance, facilitating preventive maintenance and optimization of operations.

[0026] The data about the operation of the transportation system may advantageously comprise data about the operating hours and / or malfunctions and / or number of users and / or stops and / or restarts of the transportation system. Collecting this specific operational data provides valuable insights into the system's usage patterns, reliability, and maintenance needs.

[0027] The guided transport structure may advantageously be a rail structure comprising at least one rail, in particular two rails, on which the person transporting means is movably arranged and formed by tubular elements. The use of a rail structure with tubular elements provides a stable and durable guide for the person transporting means, capable of withstanding various environmental conditions.

[0028] The rail structure may advantageously be modular. Further, for forming the rail(s), the tubular elements may advantageously be connected to each other in series in articulated manner such that an inclination (either positive or negative) is adjustable, in the horizontal and / or the vertical plane. The modular design of the rails allows for customizable pathways.

[0029] Further, the guided transport structure is formed such that the person transmitting means is elevated from the ground, so that interference with ground-level obstacles or debris can be prevented.

[0030] The driving mechanism may advantageously comprise a driving element, in particular an electric motor, a first drum and a second drum, at least one pulley, and a rope, in particular a wire rope. The first drum is driveably connected to the driving element. This means that the driving element is configured to drive, in particular rotate, the first drum. The rope is wound around the first drum and the second drum in such a way that the rope is advantageously movable by friction by the first drum and the second drum, in particular a rotation of the first drum and the second drum, and also arranged around the at least one pulley such that the wire rope forms an endless loop. The rope is configured to move the person transporting means on the guided transport structure. To this end, the rope is connected to the person transporting means.

[0031] This specific configuration of the driving mechanism ensures smooth and reliable movement of the person transporting means along the guided transport structure, while the endless loop design allows for continuous operation over extended distances.

[0032] The first and the second drums are advantageously grooved, wherein the rope is arranged in the corresponding grooves. This allows long lengths of wire to be used without the risk of it getting pinched and stuck in the winding drums, as a result of which it is possible to use rails with a total length of thirty or even more meters.

[0033] It is understood that, in the case, where the control means comprises at least one programmable logic controller, the programmable logic controller is advantageously configured to execute any of the previously described functions of the control means.

[0034] The present invention refers further to a control means for a transportation system for transporting disabled people to difficult-to-access places is provided, in particularly the previously described transportation system. The transportation comprises a guided transport structure, a person transporting means that is movably arranged on the guided transport structure, and a driving mechanism for moving the person transporting means on the guided transport structure. This dedicated control means ensures precise and reliable operation of the transportation system, enhancing user experience.

[0035] The control means is advantageously configured to control the movement of the person transporting means.

[0036] The control means may advantageously comprise at least one programmable logic controller. The use of a programmable logic controller in the control means allows for sophisticated control algorithms and easy adaptation to different operational requirements.

[0037] The control means may advantageously be configured to receive at least one weather parameter and allow the operation of the transportation system only if the received at least one weather parameter is below a predetermined threshold. This weather-dependent operation feature may enhance the reliability of the transportation system by preventing use in potentially hazardous conditions by taking-over the decision-making whether the transportation should be used or not, ensuring optimal performance.

[0038] The previously described features and configurations regarding the control means in the description of the transportation system apply here too.

[0039] The transportation system may further advantageously comprise a user interface module and / or an energy management module and / or a fault detection and / or diagnosis fault prediction module and / or a data encryption module and / or, a voice control interface module and / or a weather forecasting module and / or an emergency response module.

[0040] In particular: The transportation system may further advantageously comprise a user interface module, through which operational parameters of the transportation system are adjustable and / or automatic adjustments made by the control means, are overridable. In particular, the user interface module may be configured to allow remote adjustment of the operation parameters and / or remote overriding of the automatic adjustments. Further, the user interface module can be configured to allow (only) access to an authorized user.

[0041] The transportation system may further advantageously comprise an energy management module configured to optimize power consumption based on usage patterns and / or power available from photovoltaic cell system. The energy management module is in particular coupled to the control means.

[0042] The transportation system may further advantageously comprise a fault detection and / or diagnosis module configured to detect and / or a diagnose a fault. The fault detection and / or diagnosis module is in particular coupled to the control means.

[0043] The transportation system may further advantageously comprise a fault prediction module configured to predict a fault of the transportation system. The fault prediction module is in particular coupled to the control means.

[0044] The transportation system may further advantageously comprise a data encryption module coupled to the communication unit. Thus, secure transmission of operational data and / or user data can be ensured.

[0045] The transportation system may further advantageously comprise a voice control interface, through which the transportation system can be operated. This allows users with limited mobility to operate the transportation system by voice control (commands).

[0046] The transportation system may further advantageously comprise a weather forecasting module configured to predict environmental conditions, in particular at least one weather parameter, and coupled to control means for controlling the transportation system based on the predicted environmental conditions, the at least one weather parameter. The above mentioned at least one weather parameter received from the control means can thus be at least one predicted weather parameter.

[0047] The transportation system may further advantageously an emergency response module coupled to the control means and wireless communication module, configured to automatically send an alert, in particular to local authorities, in case of system malfunction and / or user distress.

[0048] These and further features and advantages will be described with reference to the following embodiment of the invention shown in the figures. Figure 1 shows a simplified, schematic view of a transportation system for transporting disabled people to difficult-to-access places according to an embodiment of the transportation system. Figure 2 shows a simplified, perspective view of a part of the transportation system according to the embodiment. Figure 3 shows a simplified, perspective view of a part of the transportation system according to the embodiment. Figure 4 shows a simplified, perspective view of a part of the transportation system according to the embodiment. Figure 5 shows a simplified, perspective view of a part of the transportation system according to the embodiment.

[0049] As can be seen from figure 1, the transportation system 100 for transporting disabled people to difficult-to-access places comprises a guided transport structure 101, a person transporting means 102 that is movably arranged on the guided transport structure 101, a driving mechanism 103 for moving the person transporting means 102 on the guided transport structure 101, and a control means 104 for controlling the movement of the person transporting means 102.

[0050] The control means 104 comprises at least one programmable logic controller 140. The programmable logic controller 140 functions as a controller for the transportation system 100 and is responsible for the functions controlled by the control means 104. However, the control means 104 can in addition thereto or alternatively comprise other types of controllers, such as a microcontroller or programmable relays.

[0051] Further, the transportation system 100 comprises a communication unit 106 for receiving and / or sending data from / to an external device 200. The external device 200 may for example be a mobile phone or a computer installed in a control room for remotely monitoring and / or operating the transportation system 100. The communication unit 106 comprises a wireless communication module 161 that is formed as a GSM modem. Further, the communication unit 106 comprises a wired interface 162 for communicating with the external device 200. To this end, the external device 200 has to be physically connected to the communication unit via the wired interface 162.

[0052] The transportation system 100 further comprises at least one sensor 105 for determining at least one weather parameter. In the present embodiment, the transportation system 100 comprises three sensors. More specifically, a wind intensity sensor 151, an air humidity sensor 152 and an air temperature sensor 153 are provided for determining a wind intensity, an air humidity and an air temperature, respectively.

[0053] The programmable logic controller 140 is configured to receive the aforementioned weather parameters from the wind intensity sensor 151, air humidity sensor 152 and air temperature sensor 153, and control the operation of the transportation system 100 based on the received at least one weather parameter.

[0054] In particular, the programmable logic controller 140 is configured to prevent operation of the transportation system 100, in particular the movement of the person transporting means 102, when / if the received weather parameters exceed an operational limit.

[0055] The transportation system 100 further comprises a camera 107 for capturing an image and / or video of at least a part of the transportation system 100 and / or the surroundings of the transportation system 100. In particular, the camera 107 may be installed such that it is directed to the person transporting means 102.

[0056] The programmable logic controller 140 is configured to receive the image and / or the video and send it via the communication unit 106 to the external device 200. In particular, the wireless communication module 161 can be used for this purpose.

[0057] The programmable logic controller 140 is further configured to collect data about the operation of the transportation system 100 and send the collected data via the communication unit 1006 to the external device 200. The data about the operation of the transportation system 100 comprise data about the operating hours and / or malfunctions and / or number of users and / or stops and / or restarts of the transportation system 100.

[0058] The guided transport structure 101 is a modular rail structure 110 comprising two rails 111 on which the person transporting means 102 is movably arranged. The rail structure 110, in particular each rail 111, is formed by tubular elements 1b, in particular of the roller-coaster type. For forming the rails 111, the tubular elements 1b are connected to each other in series in an articulated manner such that an inclination (either positive or negative) is adjustable, in the horizontal and / or the vertical plane (figure 4).

[0059] As can further be seen from figures 2 and 3, the guided transport structure 101 is formed such that the person transmitting means 102 is elevated from the ground, so that interference with ground-level obstacles or debris can be prevented.

[0060] The person transporting means 102 is in the present embodiment a wheelchair 5 that is movable via rollers 1d (figure2) on the rails 111.

[0061] For driving the person transporting means 102, a driving mechanism 104 is provided.

[0062] It can be seen from figure 5 that the driving mechanism 104 comprises a driving element 15, in particular an electric motor, a first drum 12 and a second drum 13, two pulleys 17, and a rope 14, in particular a wire rope.

[0063] The first drum 12 is driveably connected to the driving element 15, while the rope 14 is wound around the first drum 12 and the second drum 13. The rope 14 is in particular wound in such a way that the rope 14 is movable by friction by the first drum 12 and the second drum 13. Further, the rope 14 is arranged around the two pulleys 17 such that the rope 14 forms an endless loop. The rope 14 is connected to the person transporting means 102 such that a movement of the rope 14, in particular the rotation of the rope 14 around the system of the pulleys 17, the first drum 12 and the second drum 14, is transferred to the person transporting means 102 and cause it to move on / along the rails 111.

[0064] The transportation system 100 also comprises a support 3 for accommodating a secondary transporting means attaching system 7 which is configured for attaching a secondary transporting means, for example for tetraplegic people. On the structure 3, a photovoltaic cell system 4 is provided. The energy acquired by the photovoltaic cell system 4 is stored in batteries and can be used for providing power to the transportation system 100.

[0065] Referring back to figure 1, the transportation system 10 can comprise a user interface module 112, an energy management module 113, a fault detection and / or diagnosis fault prediction module 114, a data encryption module 115, a voice control interface module 116, a weather forecasting module 117 and an emergency response module 118, with the features described in the general part.List of reference signs

[0066] 1btubular element 1droller 3support 4photovoltaic cell system 5wheelchair 7secondary transporting means attaching system 12first drum 13second drum 14rope 15electric motor 100transport system 101guided transport structure 102person transporting means 103driving mechanism 104control means 105sensor 106communication unit 107camera 110rail structure 111rail 112user interface module 113energy management module 114fault detection and / or diagnosis fault prediction module 115data encryption module 116voice control interface module 117weather forecasting module 118emergency response module 140programmable logic controller 151wind intensity sensor 152air humidity sensor 153ais temperature sensor 161wireless communication module 162wired interface

Claims

1. A transportation system (100) for transporting disabled people to difficult-to-access places, comprising: - a guided transport structure (101), - a person transporting means (102) that is movably arranged on the guided transport structure (101), - a driving mechanism (103) for moving the person transporting means (102) on the guided transport structure (101), and - a control means (104) for controlling the movement of the person transporting means (102).

2. The transportation system (100) according to claim 1, wherein the control means (104) comprises at least one programmable logic controller (140).

3. The transportation system (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the control means (104) is configured to receive at least one weather parameter and control the operation of the transportation system (100) based on the received at least one weather parameter, in particular wherein the control means (104) is configured to prevent operation of the transportation system (100) when / if the received at least one weather parameter exceeds an operational limit.

4. The transportation system (100) according to claim 3, further comprising at least one sensor (105) for determining the at least one weather parameter, wherein the control means (104) is configured to receive the at least one weather parameter from the at least one sensor (105).

5. The transportation system (100) according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the at least one weather parameter comprises a wind intensity and / or air humidity and / or air temperature.

6. The transportation system (100) according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising a communication unit (106) for receiving and / or sending data from / to an external device (200).

7. The transportation system (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the communication unit (106) comprises a wireless communication module (161), in particular wherein the wireless communication module (161) comprises a GSM modem, and / or a wired interface (162) for communicating with the external device (200).

8. The transportation system (100) according to claim 6 or 7, further comprising a camera (106) for capturing an image and / or video of at least a part of the transportation system (100) and / or the surroundings of the transportation system (100), wherein the control means (104) is configured to receive the image and / or the video and send it via the communication unit (106) to the external device (200).

9. The transportation system (100) according to any of claims 6 to 8, wherein the control means (104) is configured to collect data about the operation of the transportation system (100) and send the collected data via the communication unit to the external device (200), in particular wherein the data about the operation of the transportation system (100) comprise data about the operating hours and / or malfunctions and / or number of users and / or stops and / or restarts of the transportation system (100).

10. The transportation system (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the guided transport structure (101) is a rail structure (110) comprising at least one rail (111), on which the person transporting means (102), is movably arranged and which is formed by tubular elements (1b), in particular of the roller-coaster type.

11. The transportation system (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the driving mechanism (104) comprises: - a driving element (15), in particular an electric motor, - a first drum (12) and a second drum (13), wherein the first drum (12) is driveably connected to the driving element (15), - at least one pulley (17), and - a rope (14) wound around the first drum (12) and the second drum (13) in such a way that the rope (14) is movable by friction by the first drum (12) and the second drum (13), and also arranged around the at least one pulley (17) such that the rope (14) forms an endless loop, wherein the rope (14) is configured to move the person transporting means (102) on the guided transport structure (101).

12. The transportation system (100) according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising: - a user interface module (112), and / or - an energy management module (113), and / or - a fault detection and / or diagnosis fault prediction module (114) and / or - a data encryption module (115), and / or - a voice control interface module (116), and / or - a weather forecasting module and / or an emergency response module (117).

13. A control means (104) for a transportation system (100) comprising a guided transport structure (101), a person transporting means (102) that is movably arranged on the guided transport structure (101), and a driving mechanism (102) for moving the person transporting means (102) on the guided transport structure, wherein the control means (104) is configured to control the movement of the person transporting means (102).

14. The control means (104) according to claim 13, wherein the control means (104) comprises at least one programmable logic controller (140).

15. The control means (104) according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the control means (104) is configured to receive at least one weather parameter and prevent the operation of the transportation system (100), if / when the received at least one weather parameter exceeds an operational limit.

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