Configurable Power Transfer Seat Base with Intuitive Controls
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current power transfer seats for wheelchair users are not easily configurable for different vehicles and lack intuitive and safe operating controls, leading to potential inadvertent operation and increased costs due to vehicle-specific seat bases and complex control interfaces.
Innovation Solution
A configurable power transfer seat base with a mounting system using hooks and forks for versatile vehicle applications, combined with tactilely intuitive operating controls and a CAN-based vehicle interlock that disables seat controls when the vehicle is not in PARK, ensuring safety and reducing material requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a different seat base is provided for every different vehicle, then the seat base can be precisely adapted to each vehicle's mounting system, but the device complexity and inventory requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The seat base is designed with a universal mounting system that can accommodate multiple vehicle types through a standardized interface. The mounting bracket includes adjustable positioning features and multiple mounting hole patterns that can be configured to match different vehicle floor plans and seat rail systems, allowing a single seat base design to serve multiple vehicle applications without requiring vehicle-specific variants
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting system incorporates adjustable and reconfigurable components that can be dynamically positioned to suit different installation requirements. The mounting bracket allows for fore-aft adjustment along the seat rails and lateral positioning to accommodate various vehicle floor configurations, enabling the same seat base to be adapted to different vehicles through simple repositioning rather than redesign
2Area of stationary object
If toggle switches are arranged in a row on a small box, then the control interface is compact, but the ease of operation deteriorates as it becomes difficult to select the proper switch for the function desired
Solution Approach 1:
Each control switch is given a distinct spatial arrangement and directional orientation that corresponds to its function. The switches are positioned at different locations on the control panel with labels or indicators oriented to provide intuitive directional cues to the user, making it easy to identify and operate the correct switch without confusion
Solution Approach 2:
The control switches are arranged in an asymmetric pattern rather than a uniform row, with each switch positioned to reflect its functional relationship to the seat movements. The control panel layout uses asymmetric positioning and directional labeling to create an intuitive interface that guides the user's hand and attention to the appropriate control for the desired function
3Reliability
If guards are added to protect switches from inadvertent operation, then the reliability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control switches are equipped with protective features such as recessed positions, protective covers, or interlock mechanisms that are built into the switch assembly itself. These features are designed to prevent inadvertent activation during normal seat adjustment operations, requiring deliberate user action to activate each control while maintaining a relatively simple overall control system architecture
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 1A
Figure 2
AI summary
A power transfer seat base includes a top fixed plate having a fixed stop attached to an upper surface thereof, a rotating plate mounted on the top fixed plate, the rotating plate having a rotating stop attached to a bottom surface thereof, and a user control interface box mounting bracket mounted on the rotating plate. An operating control having a rotation control switch and a directional control switch disposed on a user control interface box body that is mounted on the mounting bracket. The rotating plate is configured so that the rotating stop and the mounting bracket may be connected to the rotating plate at different positions. The power transfer seat also includes a mounting system that is configured to be connected to the base at different locations in a fore/aft direction and at different locations in a lateral direction.