Roof-Mounted Stowable Backrest for Wheelchair Transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing backrest arrangements for motor vehicles that transport wheelchair users either constrict the vehicle interior, require cumbersome installation and removal, or inadequately support wider wheelchairs due to fixed mounting on walls or floors, limiting adjustability and safety.
Innovation Solution
A backrest arrangement that is fixed to the vehicle's roof using a stabilizing fixing device, allowing for a stowable and adjustable backrest that can be moved between a compact stowage position and an extended operative position, providing ergonomic support and adaptability to the wheelchair user's needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the backrest is fixed to the side wall using pivotal arms, then the backrest provides support to the wheelchair user, but the vehicle interior becomes constricted and the fixing structure requires large mounting capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The backrest is relocated from wall-mounted to roof-mounted, changing the mounting dimension from vertical wall surface to horizontal roof surface. This allows the backrest to be positioned above the wheelchair user's head rather than beside them, freeing up lateral vehicle interior space while maintaining support functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of mounting the backrest to the side wall as conventional designs do, the invention inverts the mounting approach by fixing the backrest to the roof of the vehicle. This inversion resolves the space constraint issue by utilizing the otherwise unused roof area for mounting purposes.
2Reliability
If the backrest is fixed to the side wall, then the backrest provides support, but the wheelchair user must sit against the vehicle wall which limits positioning flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The backrest is designed with movable and adjustable characteristics, allowing it to be positioned at different locations along the roof rather than being fixed to a specific wall location. This enables the wheelchair user to be seated in various positions within the vehicle while still receiving proper backrest support.
3Reliability
If a plug-in backrest is inserted into the vehicle floor, then the backrest can be positioned behind the wheelchair, but the backrest is far from the inserted position requiring cumbersome handling and removal
Solution Approach 1:
The backrest mounting location is changed from the vehicle floor (below the wheelchair) to the vehicle roof (above the wheelchair). This dimensional change allows the backrest to be positioned much closer to its operative location, eliminating the need for lengthy extension mechanisms and simplifying installation and removal operations.
4Reliability
If the backrest is mounted far from the insertion position, then the backrest can support the wheelchair user, but sturdy supports are required to carry the high forces from the head part
Solution Approach 1:
By mounting the backrest to the roof rather than the floor, the support structure benefits from the rigid roof framework of the vehicle, which can better withstand the forces generated during operation. The roof mounting position also places the backrest closer to the user's center of gravity, reducing leverage forces on the support structure.
Data Source
AI summary
A backrest arrangement for installation in a motor vehicle for transporting wheelchair users, and a motor vehicle including the backrest arrangement. The backrest arrangement includes a fixing device that attaches the backrest arrangement to the roof of the motor vehicle. A backrest is mounted to the fixing device and is configured to support a wheelchair user. The backrest is rotatably mounted to the fixing device by a telescoping bar. The backrest may thereby be moved between a stowage position and a substantially extended operative position by rotating the backrest down from the stowage position and extending the telescoping bar. While in the stowage position, the backrest may be disposed completely in the roof region of the motor vehicle so that the backrest arrangement does not take up space in the passenger region.