Centralized Wheelchair Securing System with Simultaneous Retract
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wheelchair securing systems in vehicles are time-consuming and prone to unintentional unlocking, leading to inadequate fixation during transport.
Innovation Solution
A securing system with a rigid bottom frame and adjacently placed retractors, controlled by a central securing mechanism that allows simultaneous operation and requires specific movements for locking and unlocking, ensuring reliable and easy operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If individual retractors are operated separately, then each retractor can be controlled independently, but the operation becomes time-consuming and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple retractors are merged into a single operational unit through a common cable system. When one retractor is actuated, the cable transmission mechanism simultaneously actuates all other retractors, allowing all fixation points to be secured in one continuous motion rather than requiring separate operations for each retractor.
Solution Approach 2:
The single retractor mechanism serves multiple functions by simultaneously controlling multiple fixation points. One operational input from the user triggers a cascade effect that secures the wheelchair at multiple locations, making the system multi-functional rather than requiring separate controls for each fixation point.
2Ease of operation
If retractors can be unlocked with a single operation, then the unlocking process is simple and quick, but there is a considerable risk of unintentional unlocking
Solution Approach 1:
The unlocking operation is segmented into two distinct sequential steps: first pressing a release button to disengage the locking mechanism, then pulling the control element to actually unlock the retractors. This segmentation ensures that a single accidental pull cannot cause unintentional unlocking, as the release button must be deliberately pressed first.
Solution Approach 2:
The release button must be pressed as a preliminary action before the actual unlocking can occur. This preliminary step acts as a deliberate confirmation that the user intends to unlock the system, preventing accidental unlocking from simple pulls or bumps on the control element.
3Reliability
If multiple fixation means are used to secure the wheelchair, then the fixation is more reliable, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple retractors and cable systems are merged into a unified mechanism where a single operational input controls all fixation points simultaneously. This reduces the operational complexity despite maintaining multiple physical fixation means, as the user interacts with one control system rather than multiple independent controls.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system provides efficient and secure fixation of wheelchairs and other mobility aids by simplifying the operation of retractors, reducing the risk of unintentional unlocking, and ensuring effective cable tensioning during transport.
Implementation Method 1
The retractor is for instance embodied as a reel onto which the cable winds automatically under a retracting pulling force, for instance originating from a spring force.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2~3
Figure 4A
AI summary
Securing system for wheelchairs in vehicles, comprising a rigid bottom frame provided with; - a number of fixation means which are connected to the bottom frame and suitable for fixing a wheelchair relative to the bottom frame, wherein each fixation means comprises a coupling element configured for coupling to a wheelchair, which coupling element is connected with a cable to a retractor, which retractor in unlocked mode exerts a retracting pulling force on the coupling element while the cable can be pulled out, and in locked mode locks the cable so that it cannot be pulled out, wherein the retractors are fixedly connected to the bottom frame and are preferably placed adjacently of each other, and a central securing control for simultaneous operation of the retractors.