L-Shaped Bus Handrail with Multi-Directional Grips for Passenger Adaptability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional bus handrail structures fail to adequately accommodate passengers of varying heights and postures due to space constraints within bus interiors, particularly for passengers in wheelchairs and those in half-standing positions.

Innovation Solution

A bus handrail designed in the shape of 'L' with multiple grip portions extending in different directions to accommodate various passenger heights, including a fifth grip portion that couples the first and fourth grip portions, and a sixth grip portion that connects the first grip portion and the midway part of the fifth grip portion, forming closed spaces for enhanced durability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple support pipes are arranged vertically apart to accommodate different passenger heights, then adaptability to various passengers is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to various passenger heights and posturesVSAvoidcomplexity of handrail structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The handrail is divided into multiple grip portions (first through fourth grip portions) with different orientations and heights. Each portion serves specific passenger needs: vertical portions for standing passengers, horizontal portions for wheelchair users, and inclined portions for half-standing passengers. This segmentation allows one unified structure to provide multiple adaptation points without requiring separate handrail systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The handrail transitions from conventional single-dimension vertical arrangement to multi-dimensional spatial configuration by incorporating portions extending in vehicle vertical direction, vehicle longitudinal direction, and vehicle width direction. This three-dimensional arrangement enables the handrail to reach passengers at various heights and positions simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of operation

If handrails are arranged at positions corresponding to passenger hand heights, then ease of operation is improved, but space utilization deteriorates due to bus interior constraints

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of grip for passengersVSAvoidspace utilization in bus interior

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The handrail incorporates portions with different orientations (vertical, horizontal, inclined) that dynamically adapt to various passenger postures. The inclined grip portions specifically address half-standing passengers by angling toward them, while horizontal portions extend toward wheelchair users, making the structure dynamically responsive to diverse user needs within limited space.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

A single unified handrail structure performs multiple functions by providing grip portions suitable for standing passengers, half-standing passengers, and wheelchair users. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate handrail systems for different passenger types, optimizing space utilization while maintaining ease of operation for all users.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If grip portions extend in multiple directions to accommodate various postures, then adaptability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccommodation of various passenger posturesVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity of handrail

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple grip portions extending in different directions are merged into a single integrated handrail structure. Rather than manufacturing separate handrail components for different orientations and then assembling them, the invention combines all grip portions (vertical, horizontal, inclined) into one continuous structure, simplifying manufacturing while maintaining adaptability to various passenger postures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS11584281B2Bus handrail and bus vehicle interior structure

Publication Date: 2023.02.21 TOYOTA JIDOSHA KK

AI summary

A bus handrail provided in a vehicle interior of a bus in a shape of “L” as viewed in a vehicle width direction has, in an installed state thereof, a first grip portion extending in a vehicle vertical direction, a second grip portion extending backward with respect to a vehicle continuously from a lower part of the first grip portion, a third grip portion extending upward with respect to the vehicle continuously from the second grip portion, and a fourth grip portion extending backward with respect to the vehicle continuously from the third grip portion. Besides, in a bus vehicle interior structure equipped with the bus handrail and a seat provided on a rear wall side in the vehicle interior and in which a passenger sits in a half-standing posture, part of the fourth grip portion is arranged outside the seat in the vehicle width direction.