Passenger Lift Platform Positioning for Stepless Vehicle Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing passenger transport vehicles face inefficiencies in space usage and ergonomic issues with their lifting devices, which complicate the process of getting passengers in and out, particularly those with mobility impairments.
Innovation Solution
A passenger transport vehicle equipped with a lifting device featuring a platform that can be variably positioned to match ground levels, using a combination of a lifting unit for vertical displacement and a positioning device for transverse and longitudinal adjustments, along with an alignment device for horizontal alignment, allowing seamless entry and exit without significant height differences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a lifting device with extendable telescopic arm is used to bridge height difference, then passengers can access the vehicle, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting device is divided into functionally independent modules: a positioning device with transverse and longitudinal adjustment capabilities, and a separate lifting device with telescopic arm. This segmentation allows each module to perform its specific function optimally while simplifying the overall system design and maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
A platform is introduced as an intermediary element between the ground and the vehicle interior. The platform serves as a transfer surface that can be independently positioned and lifted, mediating the height difference without requiring a complex single-integration lifting mechanism.
2Ease of operation
If a lifting platform is used to overcome height difference, then wheelchair passengers can enter, but the space utilization becomes inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The platform is designed with dynamic positioning capabilities through the positioning device, allowing it to be adjusted to different locations and heights as needed. This dynamic adaptability enables the platform to serve multiple functions and be stored in compact configurations when not in use, improving space utilization compared to fixed lifting platforms.
Solution Approach 2:
The platform serves multiple functions: it acts as a transfer surface for wheelchair passengers, a step for other passengers, and can be positioned at various locations along the vehicle. The positioning device and lifting device can serve different accessibility needs, making the system universally applicable to various passenger requirements while optimizing space usage.
3Device complexity
If the platform is fixed at a single position, then the structure is simple, but the adaptability to different ground levels is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning device provides dynamic adjustment capabilities in the transverse direction, allowing the platform to adapt to different ground levels and positions. This dynamic positioning system maintains relatively simple structural implementation while achieving high adaptability to various operational conditions.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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Figure 5
AI summary
A passenger transport vehicle (1) with a lifting apparatus (13) which is used for assisting passengers (12) during entry into and exit from the passenger transport vehicle. Said passenger transport vehicle has a body (6) with a passenger compartment (7). Furthermore, a passenger compartment is provided with a vehicle floor (8) in which passengers can be accommodated sitting and/or standing. The passenger transport vehicle is designed here in such a manner that a height difference is formed between a floor level of the vehicle floor and a ground level of a surrounding ground (14) of an immediate surroundings (2) of the vehicle. In addition, the passenger transport vehicle has a lifting apparatus with a platform (20) for receiving a passenger, wherein the platform can also be raised by means of a lifting unit (31) of a lifting device (30) of the lifting apparatus. The lifting unit is provided so as to be movable in a vertical direction (4) in relation to the body and brings about the lifting or the lifting operation of the platform. Furthermore, the lifting apparatus has a positioning device (50; 60) for guiding and moving the platform. Said positioning device serves to be able to adjust a position of the platform at least with respect to the transverse direction (5), longitudinal direction and/or horizontal. In particular, the positioning device can be operatively arranged either between body and platform or between lifting unit and platform.