Electric Pool Lift Platform for Wheelchair Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pool lifts are often hydraulically-powered, larger, less powerful, and require users to transfer from a wheelchair to a lift chair, cluttering the pool deck and being less space and cost-effective than electrically-powered alternatives.
Innovation Solution
An electrically-powered platform lift is mounted directly in the pool, allowing wheelchair transfer directly into the pool, with a system comprising a platform, handrails, and lifting components powered by a rechargeable battery, controlled by a console and wireless handsets for remote operation, providing assisted access without the need for a separate lift chair.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If hydraulically-powered pool lifts are used, then lifting capability is provided, but the device size increases and power capacity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the hydraulic power system with an electric motor-driven system. The electric motor (134) directly drives the lifting mechanism through a reduction gear assembly, eliminating the need for hydraulic pumps, reservoirs, and fluid transmission components. This substitution enables higher power capacity while reducing overall device volume and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes the hydraulic system components from the pool lift design. By eliminating the hydraulic power unit, hoses, and associated control mechanisms, the invention achieves a more compact structure with increased lifting capacity, as the electric motor system requires fewer and smaller components.
2Ease of operation
If deck-mounted pool lifts are used, then lifting function is provided, but the pool deck becomes cluttered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions the pool lift mounting location from the horizontal plane (deck surface) to the vertical dimension (pool water column). The platform lift is mounted on the pool floor and operates vertically within the water, completely clearing the pool deck surface while maintaining full lifting functionality for wheelchair access.
3Ease of operation
If chair-based pool lifts are used, then lifting capability is provided, but transfer from wheelchair to lift chair is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the wheelchair platform with the pool entry function into a single integrated system. The platform (120) serves dual purposes: it acts as both the lifting surface and the pool entry vehicle. The wheelchair is driven directly onto the platform, which then lowers the entire wheelchair-platform combination into the pool, eliminating the need for separate transfer to a lift chair.
Solution Approach 2:
The platform lift design provides multiple functions within a single device: it serves as the lifting mechanism, the transport vehicle, and the pool entry platform. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate chair-based lifts and reduces the number of operational steps required for pool access.
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 electrically-powered platform lift offers enhanced accessibility, a cleaner pool deck, and increased power capacity, addressing the limitations of existing hydraulically-powered lifts by enabling safe and efficient transfer of users with limited mobility directly into the pool.
Implementation Method 1
an electric motor (134) powered by the electrical power source (102)
Implementation Method 2
The system (100) comprises an electrical power source (102) operable to provide electrical power to at least a portion of the lifting components (134)
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments include a system that provides assisted access to a pool. The system includes a platform that includes a frame, a deck, and one or more handrails. The deck is attached to the frame and sized to receive a wheelchair. The one or more handrails are attached to at least one of the frame and the deck. The system includes an upright lifting component case. The frame of the platform is substantially perpendicular to the upright lifting component case. The system includes lifting components that are at least partially disposed in the upright lifting component case and attached to the platform. The lifting components are operable to vertically move the frame between a top and a bottom of the upright lifting component case. The system includes an electrical power source operable to provide electrical power to at least a portion of the lifting components.