Electric Van Wheelchair Lift Layout to Keep Entrances Clear
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric van designs lack integration of a wheelchair lift attached to the chassis to prevent entrance obstructions in accidents, an efficient electric power train to reduce carbon footprint, and a luxury interior for user comfort and accessibility.
Innovation Solution
An electric van design featuring a wheelchair lift attached to the chassis, an electric power train with on-board charging and monitoring systems, and a luxury interior with foldable seats, locking mechanisms, and foldable desks, made from various materials for enhanced safety, efficiency, and comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the wheelchair lift is attached to the entrance, then it is easier to install and operate, but it may obstruct the entrance in case of an accident or emergency
Solution Approach 1:
The wheelchair lift is extracted from the entrance structure and repositioned to be mounted on the side of the van body. This separation removes the potential conflict between the lift mechanism and the entrance, allowing the lift to operate independently without risking obstruction to the entrance during accidents or emergencies.
Solution Approach 2:
The side mounting structure acts as an intermediary between the wheelchair lift and the van body, providing a separate attachment point that eliminates direct interference with the entrance. This intermediary positioning allows both the entrance and lift to function independently without mutual obstruction.
2Power
If traditional internal combustion engine is used, then the van has sufficient power, but it increases carbon footprint
Solution Approach 1:
The internal combustion engine is replaced with an electric power train system. This substitution eliminates the mechanical combustion process that generates carbon emissions, while the electric motor provides sufficient power for van operation. The electric system includes a motor, controller, and battery pack that work together to deliver the necessary propulsion.
Solution Approach 2:
The power source parameters are changed from chemical energy combustion to electrical energy conversion. This parameter change fundamentally alters the energy conversion process, eliminating carbon emissions while maintaining the ability to generate sufficient mechanical power for vehicle operation through electromagnetic conversion in the electric motor.
3Ease of manufacture
If basic interior is provided, then the van is more economical, but it lacks luxury and comfort for users
Solution Approach 1:
The interior components are designed with multi-functionality to provide both luxury comfort and accessibility features. The captain's chairs with foldable desks serve dual purposes as both comfortable seating and work surfaces. The removable armrests and adjustable components provide both comfort adjustments and accessibility for users with different abilities, eliminating the need for separate luxury and accessibility features.
Solution Approach 2:
The interior components incorporate dynamic adjustability features such as removable armrests, foldable desks, and adjustable seating positions. These dynamic elements allow the interior to adapt to different user needs and preferences, providing luxury comfort when needed while maintaining accessibility when required, all within a cost-effective design framework.
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 solution provides enhanced safety by preventing entrance obstructions, reduces carbon footprint through efficient power management, and offers a luxurious and accessible interior for all users, while being cost-effective and easy to maintain.
Implementation Method 1
an electric power train (62)
Data Source
AI summary
An electric van including a van assembly, a power assembly, a lifting assembly, and an interior assembly. Said van assembly includes a van having a van interior. The power assembly includes an electric power train that generates the power needed to move said van. The lift assembly includes a wheelchair lift that is attached to the chassis of the van in order to prevent the entrance of the van to be blocked in case of an accident. The interior assembly is enclosed by said van interior. The interior assembly includes a divider, foldable seats, a bar, locking mechanisms, captain chairs having foldable desks, and a sofa. The interior assembly defines a luxury interior to provide comfort to users. The locking mechanisms permits to secure wheelchairs that enter there by means of the wheelchair lift.