Horizontal Pool Lift Platform for Wheelchair Transfer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional lifting devices for restricted mobility users accessing swimming pools often require assistance and are not user-friendly, as they typically need help transferring between wheelchairs or crutches and the lifting device, and do not allow independent use by wheelchair users.

Innovation Solution

A reconfigurable lifting apparatus with a platform that can be raised, lowered, or stored in a horizontal orientation, accommodating wheelchairs, allowing users to independently transfer between the wheelchair and the pool, with features like a single actuator for manual operation, proximity sensors for safety, and securement mechanisms to prevent unauthorized access.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If conventional lifting devices with slings or chairs are used, then users can be suspended for transfer between poolside and pool, but users require assistance from operators for transferring between wheelchair and lifting device

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveindependence of user operationVSAvoidcomplexity of transfer mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The lifting apparatus enables users to independently transfer between wheelchair and pool without operator assistance. The platform is designed to be self-service, allowing users to control their own transfer process through simple interface mechanisms, eliminating the need for operators to physically assist with positioning and transfer.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The lifting apparatus is divided into distinct functional segments: a wheelchair-receiving platform, a lifting mechanism, and a pool-entry section. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall simplicity, with the platform serving as an independent intermediate stage between wheelchair and pool.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If lifting devices are positioned above water for easy access, then users can easily transfer to platform, but the device obstructs swimming lanes and pool usage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of user access to platformVSAvoidpool usability for swimming

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The lifting apparatus transitions from a static overhead structure to a dynamic system that moves between elevated and submerged positions. The platform can be raised above water level during user transfer operations and then lowered below the surface to clear swimming lanes, adapting to different pool usage requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The lifting apparatus operates in periodic cycles: raised position for user loading/unloading, then lowered position for normal swimming operations. This periodic movement between two states allows the device to serve both accessibility and swimming functionality without permanent obstruction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

3Ease of operation

If the platform is lowered into water for user transfer, then buoyancy aids user transfer to wheelchair, but the platform may not remain stable and horizontal

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of user transfer with buoyancy assistanceVSAvoidstability and horizontal orientation of platform

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

Traditional mechanical stabilization systems are replaced with buoyancy-based stabilization. The platform incorporates buoyant elements that automatically maintain horizontal orientation through water displacement forces, eliminating complex mechanical leveling mechanisms while ensuring stable user transfer.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The platform's physical parameters are modified to optimize buoyancy characteristics. By adjusting the volume, distribution, and material properties of buoyant components, the platform achieves natural horizontal stabilization when submerged, leveraging water's buoyant force rather than relying on active mechanical control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

4Adaptability or versatility

If multiple lifting apparatus are deployed for competitions, then multiple lanes can be served, but the complexity and cost of the system increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecapability to serve multiple swimming lanesVSAvoidnumber of apparatus required

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The lifting apparatus is designed as a universal device that can be deployed in multiple locations around the pool. Each apparatus serves a single lane but uses identical standardized components and control systems, allowing multiple units to be implemented without increasing individual device complexity or operational difficulty.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS9814643B2Lifting apparatus and associated methods

Publication Date: 2017.11.14 POOLPOD PROD

AI summary

A lifting apparatus and associated methods for raising a user in a body of water. The lifting apparatus includes a platform configured to receive a wheelchair. The apparatus is reconfigurable between a raised configuration; a lowered configuration; and a storage configuration. The apparatus is configured to maintain the platform in a substantially horizontal orientation in the raised, lowered and storage configurations.