Portable Transfer Lift With Multi-Pivot Vehicle Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current lifting and transferring devices for disabled persons are often costly, complex, and lack portability, requiring extensive modifications and external power sources, limiting their mobility and usability in various locations.
Innovation Solution
A portable, compact, and lightweight lifting and transferring apparatus with multiple pivot points, compatible with a wide range of vehicles, featuring a parallelogram-style personal transfer lift and hinge-mounted or 'B'-pillar-mounted support assemblies, integrated actuators, and a built-in battery with safety interlock, allowing for easy installation and operation without specialized tools or skills.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If permanently installed lifting devices are used, then lifting capability is provided, but portability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting device is divided into separate modular components including a support assembly that can be detached from the wheelchair and a lift mechanism that can be stored independently. This segmentation allows the device to provide reliable lifting capability when assembled while maintaining portability through easy disassembly and storage in the wheelchair's storage compartment.
2Adaptability or versatility
If extensively modified wheelchair is used, then lifting function is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting function is extracted as a separate, self-contained support assembly that attaches to the wheelchair without requiring modifications to the wheelchair's basic structure. The support assembly includes all necessary components (actuators, mounting brackets, control systems) integrated into a single unit that can be installed using standard attachment methods, thereby achieving lifting functionality while minimizing device complexity and modification requirements.
3Power
If hydraulically powered lift is used, then lifting power is sufficient, but ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The support assembly incorporates an automated control system with sensors that detect the presence of a user and automatically activate the lifting sequence. The system self-regulates the lifting speed, force application, and synchronization of multiple actuators without requiring complex manual operation. This self-service capability maintains sufficient lifting power while dramatically simplifying operation for the user.
4Power
If remotely located hydraulic pump is used, then lifting capability is provided, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulic pump, control valves, and power supply are merged into an integrated unit mounted directly on the support assembly or wheelchair frame near the lift mechanism. This consolidation eliminates the need for remotely located components and complex fluid lines, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining sufficient lifting capability through optimized local power delivery.
Data Source
AI summary
Portable lifting and transferring techniques for assisting in the mobility of disabled persons are disclosed. In one particular embodiment, the techniques may be realized as a portable lifting and transferring apparatus for assisting disabled persons that is compact, lightweight, and portable for use in different locations. Preferably, such an apparatus would provide multiple pivot points for providing multiple degrees of maneuvering freedom when lifting and transferring disabled persons and/or their mobility devices and for providing compatibility with a wide range of vehicles. The techniques may also be realized in other embodiments as disclosed herein.