Pivot Brace Restraint Hoop for Wheelchair Users
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle occupant restraint systems for wheelchair users are impractical for shared vehicles, as they often require modifications to the wheelchair or vehicle, and are difficult to use due to obstructions like armrests and large wheels, necessitating significant manual interaction and assistance.
Innovation Solution
A pivot brace connected to the vehicle structure supports a restraint hoop that pivots from a stowed position above the wheelchair area to a deployed position forward of the occupant, allowing for easy access and use of occupant restraint belts presented from the front, with articulating hip arms and ratcheting mechanisms for secure fitting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If restraint belts are anchored to the rear of the occupant, then the occupant can be secured, but the wheelchair armrests and large wheels block direct access to the torso and hip area, making the system difficult to use
Solution Approach 1:
The restraint system inverts the traditional anchoring approach by positioning the anchor forward of the wheelchair/occupant instead of at the rear. The restraint hoop pivots from a stowed position above the wheelchair area to a deployed position forward of the occupant, allowing belts to be presented from the front where there is clear access, eliminating the need to thread belts through wheelchair armrests and wheels
2Adaptability or versatility
If existing restraint systems are designed for a wider range of vehicles, then vehicle compatibility is improved, but modification of the wheelchair and/or vehicle is required, making the system impractical for shared vehicles
Solution Approach 1:
The restraint system is designed with universal applicability to work with wheelchairs of various configurations without requiring modifications to the wheelchair or vehicle. The pivot brace connects to the vehicle structure while the restraint hoop pivots to accommodate different wheelchair positions, and the articulating hip arms adjust to fit various occupant sizes and wheelchair types, making the system practical for shared vehicles
3Reliability
If restraint belts must be threaded through the wheelchair, then the occupant can be restrained, but significant manual interaction and assistance from another person is required
Solution Approach 1:
The restraint system enables the occupant to independently secure themselves without assistance from another person. The forward-positioned restraint hoop presents the belts directly to the occupant, who can thread and fasten them without needing someone else to reach behind or manipulate the belts through wheelchair components. The system eliminates undesired contact and invasion of personal space while maintaining effective restraint
Data Source
AI summary
An occupant restraint system for a wheelchair user in a vehicle that includes a pivot brace connected to the vehicle structure, a restraint hoop pivotally connected to the pivot brace and adapted to pivot between a stowed position above a wheelchair/occupant receiving area in the vehicle and a deployed position that is forward of a wheelchair/occupant when positioned in the wheelchair/occupant receiving area in the vehicle, and an occupant restraint belt connected to the restraint hoop.