Bus Cabin Transition Floor Angled Module

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing bus cabin structures face challenges in accessibility for wheelchair users and wheeled devices due to the perpendicular transition step between lower and upper floor sections, which leads to difficulties in navigation and reduced space for equipment, causing inefficiencies in passenger movement and limited space for machinery.

Innovation Solution

A bus cabin structure with a transition floor module featuring a recessed foot step and angled front wall, which increases the footprint of the step and redirects wheeled devices towards the rear doors, combined with sloping ramps and a raised roof section to enhance accessibility and equipment space.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a perpendicular transition step is used between lower and upper floor sections, then the structure is simple and equipment space is maximized, but wheelchair accessibility is poor and passenger flow is impeded

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewheelchair accessibilityVSAvoidfloor structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The transition module employs an asymmetric angled front wall design where the curbside portion extends rearward relative to the driverside portion, creating a sloped configuration that facilitates wheelchair access while maintaining structural efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The transition step is angled relative to the central aisle rather than being perpendicular, creating a diagonal pathway that accommodates wheeled devices while transitioning between floor levels

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of operation

If a perpendicular transition step is used, then equipment space under the floor is maximized, but wheeled devices collide and become trapped

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepassenger flow efficiencyVSAvoidequipment space under floor

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The asymmetric angled front wall design with curbside portion extending rearward creates a guiding effect that redirects wheeled devices toward the rear doors, preventing collisions and trapping while maintaining compact equipment space

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The angled front wall configuration converts what would be a harmful collision with a perpendicular step into a beneficial redirecting mechanism that guides wheeled devices smoothly through the transition zone

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Ease of operation

If the transition step is angled to improve accessibility, then wheelchair navigation is easier, but the footprint of the step increases reducing equipment space

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewheelchair navigationVSAvoidstep footprint area

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The angled front wall configuration is applied locally at the transition zone where accessibility is needed, while the rest of the floor structure maintains optimal equipment storage space

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS8109551B2Bus cabin structure

Publication Date: 2012.02.07 NEW FLYER IND CANADA ULC

AI summary

Bus cabin structures including improved configurations of floors, passenger aisles and steps, interior roofs or ceilings, and door frames.