Pivoting Baseplate Cover and Barrier Gate for Wheelchair Lift Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle lift systems for mobility-challenged individuals lack efficient and safe mechanisms for ingress and egress, particularly in ensuring safe transition between the vehicle and ground levels, and do not adequately prevent accidental movement or injury during lift operation.
Innovation Solution
A retractable lift system with a baseplate cover and inboard barrier gate that includes a parallelogram arm assembly and a baseplate cover that pivots to facilitate wheelchair access, providing a safe transition and preventing accidental movement by converting into a barrier when not in use, combined with a barrier gate assembly for enhanced safety during lift operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a retractable lift system is used to facilitate wheelchair access, then mobility efficiency is improved, but safety risks increase due to potential accidental movement during operation
Solution Approach 1:
A baseplate cover is introduced as an intermediary component between the lift platform and the vehicle floor. This cover acts as a mediator that can function either as a protective barrier or as part of the lift mechanism, depending on its position. When the lift is retracted, the cover remains in place to prevent accidental access; when the lift is deployed, the cover moves accordingly to facilitate safe wheelchair access.
Solution Approach 2:
The baseplate cover is designed to be dynamic rather than static, changing its position and function based on the lift's operational state. The cover pivots between a horizontal position (when the lift is retracted) and a vertical position (when the lift is deployed), allowing the system to adapt its safety characteristics to match the current operational requirements.
2Ease of operation
If a baseplate cover pivots to facilitate wheelchair access, then ease of operation is improved, but structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The baseplate cover mechanism is merged with the existing lift structure, sharing common components such as the pivot point and actuation system. By integrating the cover's pivoting motion with the lift's deployment motion, the system achieves dual functionality without requiring separate independent mechanisms, thereby reducing overall structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The baseplate cover serves multiple functions: it acts as a protective barrier when horizontal, provides structural support for the lift mechanism, and facilitates wheelchair access when vertical. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, simplifying the overall system while improving ease of operation.
3Reliability
If an inboard barrier gate is added to prevent accidental movement, then safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The barrier gate is nested within the baseplate cover structure, utilizing the same pivot point and mounting infrastructure. The gate folds into a compact configuration when not in use, integrating seamlessly with the cover's design. This nesting approach allows the safety feature to be incorporated without adding significant external complexity to the overall system.
4Reliability
If the baseplate cover converts into a barrier when not in use, then safety is improved, but ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The baseplate cover undergoes periodic position changes synchronized with the lift's operational cycle. During the lifting phase, the cover assumes a vertical position to facilitate access; during the retracted phase, it returns to a horizontal position to provide barrier protection. This periodic action ensures that safety and accessibility requirements are met at the appropriate times without manual intervention.
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 ensures safe and efficient mobility for wheelchair users by providing a stable and secure transition between vehicle and ground levels, preventing accidental movement and enhancing safety through the barrier function, thus addressing the limitations of existing systems.
Implementation Method 1
a baseplate cover that pivots to facilitate wheelchair access, providing a safe transition and preventing accidental movement by converting into a barrier when not in use
Data Source
AI summary
A barrier configured to be located at a door a vehicle having a lift platform to enable an individual using a mobility device to exit and to enter an interior of the vehicle. The barrier includes a support base configured to be fixedly coupled to the vehicle. A first side and a second side each extend from the support base are spaced apart to define an access location for the individual using the mobility device. A barrier gate or a barrier plate include an entry position and a blocking position wherein, in at least one embodiment, movement of the lift platform moves the barrier plate from the entry position to the blocking position.