Power Lift System Duckbill Docking 90-Degree Rotation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mobility assistance systems for vehicles with severe space constraints, such as minivans and SUVs, often require mobility devices to be stored in a way that compromises seating capacity or require the device to be unfolded, and existing lifts either protrude into the seat area or have a large footprint, making them inefficient for users with disabilities.
Innovation Solution
A power lift system utilizing a duckbill/blade docking device and belt drive mechanism that allows for the 90-degree rotation and compact stowage of mobility devices adjacent to the seat, enabling efficient transfer and storage without compromising seating capacity or vehicle stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a mobility device is stored in the area adjacent to the seat, then the user can access the device conveniently, but the mechanism protrudes into the seat area causing loss of seating capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The mobility device is nested within the vehicle's interior space by rotating it 90 degrees into a compact position adjacent to the seat, allowing the mechanism to be stored within the vehicle's existing structural envelope without protruding into the seat area
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions the mobility device from a horizontal storage orientation to a vertical 90-degree rotated position, utilizing the vertical dimension and side-space adjacent to the seat rather than encroaching on the horizontal seat area, thereby maintaining seating capacity while providing convenient access
2Area of moving object
If the mobility device is stored in a 90-degree rotated position, then the footprint is reduced, but the mechanism requires precise positioning and docking
Solution Approach 1:
A docking mechanism serves as an intermediary between the mobility device and the vehicle's storage area, providing guided positioning and alignment features that facilitate precise 90-degree rotation and compact stowage without requiring extreme manufacturing precision throughout the entire system
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs an asymmetric docking configuration optimized for 90-degree rotation, where the docking structure and guidance features are specifically designed to accommodate the rotated position, reducing the footprint while managing positioning requirements through asymmetric geometric constraints rather than symmetric high-precision mechanisms
3Adaptability or versatility
If a telescopic or parallel-arm arrangement is used, then the lift mechanism can accommodate the mobility device, but the footprint and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting and positioning functions are merged into a single integrated mechanism that performs both operations simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate telescopic or parallel-arm arrangements and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining adaptability to accommodate the mobility device
4Area of stationary object
If the mobility device is stored on the rooftop, then the interior space is preserved, but the vehicle's appearance, fuel economy, handling, and stability are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The storage function is segmented from the vehicle's exterior (rooftop) and integrated into the interior space adjacent to the seat, allowing the mobility device to be stored within the vehicle's existing structural envelope without adding external components that would compromise appearance, fuel economy, handling, or stability
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 power lift system effectively transfers and stores mobility devices in a compact, 90-degree rotated position, maintaining seating capacity and vehicle stability, while allowing for easy entry and exit from vehicles with severe space constraints.
Implementation Method 1
the more advantageous configuration of the apparatus disclosed herein, which has a single drive mechanism featuring a belt drive (recognized to be the drive mechanism with the greatest differential between extended and retracted positions thus the most compact in the stowed/retracted position)
Data Source
AI summary
A power lift system and method are disclosed. In one particular exemplary embodiment, the power lift system and method may be realized as a power lift and transfer system. The power lift and transfer system may move, stow, and carry a mobility device for a user with a disability. The power lift and transfer system may further transport the mobility device in and out of a vehicle from a position adjacent to a user or on top of the vehicle to passenger or driver areas of the vehicle.