Bus Rear Access Door With Tilting Bench For Wheelchair

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing transportation vehicles with access means for persons with reduced mobility face a challenge in maximizing passenger capacity due to the space occupied by access stairs, which prevents the installation of benches in that area.

Innovation Solution

The vehicle design features a rear access door with an integrated access ramp and a tilting bench system, allowing the bench to retract to create a platform for wheelchair access without central stairs, thus optimizing space for both able-bodied passengers and those with reduced mobility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If access stairs are installed for persons with reduced mobility, then accessibility is improved, but the number of available seats is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccessibility for persons with reduced mobilityVSAvoidnumber of available seats
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The bench is designed to be movable between a seated position and a retracted position. When a person with reduced mobility needs to board, the bench retracts to create space for the access ramp. When not in use, the bench returns to its original position, maximizing seating capacity. This dynamic transformation resolves the contradiction between accessibility and seating capacity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The access ramp is integrated into the vertical space above the bench rather than occupying horizontal floor space. The ramp folds upward when not in use, utilizing the vertical dimension to store the access mechanism without permanently reducing seating area. This dimensional transformation allows the access function to coexist with maximum seating capacity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If central access door with stairs is provided, then persons with reduced mobility can board, but the overall reception capacity is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccess capabilityVSAvoidoverall reception capacity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The bench serves dual functions: it provides seating for able-bodied passengers during normal operation, and it forms part of the access platform for persons with reduced mobility when retracted. This multi-functionality allows the same space to serve both purposes at different times, maximizing overall reception capacity while maintaining accessibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The bench configuration parameter changes from a horizontal seating surface to a vertical support structure for the ramp. By changing the spatial orientation and configuration of the bench, the system accommodates different user groups without permanently sacrificing seating capacity, thereby maintaining high overall reception capacity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP2201920B1Transportation vehicle provided with access means for persons with reduced mobility
Publication Date: 2011.07.13 IVECO FRANCE SAS
  • EP2201920B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2201920B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP2201920B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

This transportation vehicle (1), such as a bus or a coach, provided with access means for a person with reduced mobility, comprises: - a plurality of benches arranged on both sides of an interior central aisle (17) extending at least in part over the length of the vehicle, - at least one first access door arranged at the front of the vehicle and adjacent to the access stairs of the vehicle, and - at least one second access door (4), arranged at the rear of the vehicle and adapted to allow accession to the vehicle for at least one person with reduced mobility. Furthermore, the second access door (4) is arranged adjacent to a first placement zone (40), adapted to receive a first person with reduced mobility.