Power Lift Transfer System for Vehicle Accessibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mobility assistance systems fail to efficiently transfer and store wheeled mobility devices in vehicles with severe space constraints, often compromising vehicle appearance, fuel economy, and stability, and do not adequately address the challenges of small passenger compartments and door openings.
Innovation Solution
A power lift and transfer system that includes a conveyor belt system to assist users with disabilities in transferring into vehicles by moving and stowing mobility devices from the rear or top of the vehicle to passenger areas, using a motorized conveyor belt across the seat cushion for lateral transfer and providing a bridge component for powered conveyor motion between the mobility device and the vehicle seat, with configurations for both suspended and fixed attachment versions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a rooftop lift is used to store a mobility device, then stowage capability is improved, but vehicle appearance, fuel economy, handling, and stability are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from rooftop storage (vertical dimension) to interior floor storage (horizontal dimension), utilizing the vehicle's interior volume rather than external space. This allows the mobility device to be stored inside the vehicle without compromising exterior appearance or aerodynamic properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobility device is nested within the vehicle's interior cargo area, utilizing the space between the rear seats and the cargo floor. This nested arrangement allows the device to be stored within the vehicle's existing structure without adding external components.
2Ease of operation
If a vehicle seat is ejected through a vehicle door opening to facilitate transfer, then transfer accessibility is improved, but device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
A conveyor belt system serves as an intermediary mechanism between the mobility device and the vehicle seat. Instead of ejecting the seat, the conveyor belt actively transports the user and mobility device into the vehicle, providing transfer assistance through a less complex mechanical system.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical seat ejection system is replaced with a conveyor belt system that uses a different mechanical approach - a continuously moving belt that transports the user inward. This substitution reduces the complexity associated with seat ejection mechanisms while achieving the same transfer objective.
3Ease of operation
If a conveyor belt system is used for lateral transfer, then transfer assistance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyor belt system is integrated with the existing vehicle seat and floor structures, serving multiple functions including transfer assistance, user support, and space-efficient storage. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by providing several benefits from a single integrated system.
Solution Approach 2:
The conveyor belt system is merged with the vehicle's existing interior structures, including the seat and floor panels. This integration combines multiple components into a unified system, reducing overall complexity compared to separate transfer and storage mechanisms.
4Volume of moving object
If a mobility device is stored outside the vehicle, then space constraints are relieved, but accessibility and protection from elements are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system utilizes the vertical dimension of the vehicle interior, storing the mobility device in the cargo area above the rear wheel wells. This three-dimensional space utilization allows the device to be stored inside the vehicle without occupying passenger or driver space, maintaining accessibility while protecting the device from external elements.
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
Enables efficient and safe transfer and storage of mobility devices in vehicles with limited space, improving accessibility and reducing the strain on users with disabilities while maintaining vehicle stability and appearance.
Implementation Method 1
a motorized conveyor belt system which may be placed across a base of a cushion of the seat to pull the user a remainder of the distance required for proper seated placement within the vehicle
Implementation Method 2
The power lift and transfer system may move, stow, and carry a mobility device for a user with a disability, and then assist the person with the disability to transfer in and out of a vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
A power lift and transfer system and method are disclosed. In one particular exemplary embodiment, the power lift and transfer 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, and then assist the person with the disability to transfer in and out of a vehicle. The power lift and transfer system may further transport the wheeled or other mobility device from a position in a rear or on top of the vehicle to passenger or driver areas of the vehicle, and then assist the user by means of a conveyor belt to transfer laterally into the automobile seat.