Mobility Securement System With Moveable Bumpers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mobility securement systems for wheelchairs and other mobility devices in public transportation vehicles are inefficient, requiring excessive time and effort to secure and release, often compromising passenger comfort and failing to accommodate various device types and positions, while also not meeting ADA regulations effectively.
Innovation Solution
A mobility securement system utilizing two attachment members and optional moveable bumpers, which apply tensile and compressive forces to secure the device, allowing for flexible positioning and quick attachment/detachment, and can adapt to different mobility device shapes and sizes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If three or four attachment points are used to meet ADA regulations, then securement reliability is improved, but operation time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential securement function to only two attachment members, removing the redundant third or fourth attachment points required by traditional systems. This extraction maintains adequate securement reliability while significantly reducing the time and complexity of operation, as fewer attachment points need to be secured and released.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the securement system into two distinct functional components: attachment members for securing the mobility device and bumpers for limiting motion. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently, with the two attachment members providing necessary restraint without requiring the full three or four points traditionally used.
2Reliability
If traditional securement systems are used, then ADA compliance is achieved, but passenger comfort deteriorates due to operator intrusion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the need for operator intrusion into the ADA area by extracting the securement function to external attachment members that connect to the mobility device without requiring physical manipulation within the passenger space. This maintains ADA compliance while eliminating the harmful factor of operator intrusion that compromises passenger comfort and dignity.
3Stability of the object's composition
If fixed securement systems are used, then structural stability is improved, but adaptability to different device types decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic elements through moveable bumpers that can adjust their position and orientation to accommodate different mobility device types, sizes, and configurations. This dynamic capability allows the system to maintain structural stability for each specific device while adapting to various device characteristics, resolving the contradiction between fixed stability and adaptive versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment members are designed with universal attachment capabilities that can interface with multiple types of mobility devices (wheelchairs, scooters, powered mobility devices) through various attachment points. This universality allows a single securement system design to maintain structural stability across different device types while adapting to their specific geometries and securement requirements.
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 significantly reduces the time and effort required for securing and releasing mobility devices, enhances passenger comfort by minimizing operator intrusion, and ensures compliance with ADA regulations, accommodating various device types and positions.
Implementation Method 1
a first attachment member capable of being operably attached between the first device securement element and the front vehicle anchor assembly, for restraining the position of the mobility device within the vehicle
Implementation Method 2
a barrier assembly positioned substantially proximate the rear of the mobility device, for restraining the position of the mobility device within the vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
A mobility securement system, and method configured to secure a wheelchair or other mobility device, and its passenger, within a public or private vehicle. In various embodiments, the system includes one or two attachment members, one or two vehicle anchor assemblies and, potentially, at least one fixed or moveable bumper, and may further include a barrier. A tensioning assembly is operably connected to at least one attachment member and vehicle anchor assembly. One or more moveable bumpers are configured to articulate to apply a force against the mobility device, and one attachment member may be hidden behind a stored position of a moveable bumper.