Rolling Seat Transfer Device for Mobility Assistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current transfer devices for motor handicapped individuals, such as those with disabilities or mobility issues, are often cumbersome, require high accuracy alignment, and are prone to blockages, making them inefficient and labor-intensive for transfers between vehicles, seats, and other supports.
Innovation Solution
A transfer device comprising a movable upper seat part with guide means and rolling elements that allow horizontal movement over lower parts with complementary guide elements, reducing the stress on the guide system and enabling easy alignment and centering, thus facilitating the transfer of passengers with reduced mobility between various transport vehicles and seats.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional lifting devices are used for transferring disabled persons, then transfer support is provided, but the devices become heavy, complicated and bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The transfer device is divided into separate modular components: a base unit with guiding means and a transferable seat assembly with complementary guiding elements. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies the overall system structure while maintaining reliable transfer support.
Solution Approach 2:
The guiding means and complementary guiding elements act as intermediary structures that facilitate the transfer process. These intermediate components provide controlled movement paths and support during transfer, reducing the need for complex lifting mechanisms while ensuring safe and supported transfer of disabled persons.
2Ease of operation
If fixed parts with rails or guides are used for transfer, then guidance and support are provided, but high alignment accuracy is required and blockages occur easily
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from rigid fixed rails to dynamic guiding means that can adapt during operation. The transferable seat assembly with complementary guiding elements allows for flexible alignment adjustment and movement, reducing the need for precise pre-alignment while maintaining effective guidance throughout the transfer process.
Solution Approach 2:
The guiding means and complementary guiding elements are designed to self-align and self-adjust during the transfer operation. The rolling elements and guiding structures automatically accommodate misalignments and maintain proper engagement without requiring external adjustment or high manufacturing precision.
3Stress or pressure
If rolling means are distributed over the seat surface, then weight is distributed and guide stress is reduced, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces complex mechanical stress distribution mechanisms with a simpler rolling contact system. Rolling elements distributed under the seat assembly naturally distribute the user's weight and reduce guide stress through the rolling motion, eliminating the need for complex mechanical stress management systems.
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 solution reduces the fatigue of assistants, lightens the load, and accelerates the transfer process by distributing the weight of the user and allowing for precise alignment and easy movement of the upper seat part over lower parts, making it suitable for use in vehicles like airplanes and trains.
Implementation Method 1
one of the parts having rolling means supporting the weight of the seat, distributed over its surface outside the guiding means, for example such as balls or rollers, allowing the horizontal rolling of the seat relative to said lower part
Data Source
Figure 1~7
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The invention relates to a device comprising: a transferable seat assembly including at least an upper part, or movable seat (1); and at least two lower stationary parts (2) that can be secured to chairs, the upper face of each of said stationary parts having guide means for guiding the movement of the seat (1) along same perpendicularly to the sagittal plane of the passenger seated on the seat (1), said guide means cooperating with complementary guiding means (4) provided on the lower face of the seat (1), with a vertical and horizontal clearance therebetween. The seat rolls on balls (7) distributed outside the guides and supports the weight.