Tilting Platform Wheelchair Accessible Cycle
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Individuals using wheelchairs face challenges in achieving independent mobility, as traditional bicycles and transportation methods require transferring out of the wheelchair, and existing vehicles often necessitate electric lifts or further transfers.
Innovation Solution
A wheelchair-accessible cycle with a tilting platform that allows individuals to load and unload their wheelchairs easily, featuring a frame with wheels, a pivotally movable platform, and a locking assembly that transitions between tilted and horizontal positions, enabling operation from the wheelchair without transferring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional bicycle or vehicle is used, then mobility is achieved, but the individual must transfer out of the wheelchair or use complex lifting mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The platform is made dynamically tiltable rather than fixed, allowing it to pivot between a horizontal operating position and a tilted loading position. This dynamic adjustment enables the platform surface to become substantially parallel with the ground, facilitating easy wheelchair roll-on loading without complex lifting mechanisms or transfers
2Ease of operation
If the platform is tilted for loading, then wheelchair access is improved, but the platform must be locked securely for operation
Solution Approach 1:
The locking system is designed to automatically engage when the platform is in the horizontal position, with the locking bar and latch mechanism self-activating through the platform's movement. The spring-loaded latch automatically secures the platform without requiring manual intervention, ensuring reliable locking while maintaining ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is positioned and designed to prevent accidental disengagement during operation. The latch engages with the locking bar in a manner that requires deliberate action to release, providing preliminary protection against unintended platform movement while maintaining secure locking
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 individuals to operate the cycle from their wheelchair using pedal or electric powertrains, facilitating independent mobility and easy loading/unloading without the need for transfers, enhancing accessibility and convenience.
Implementation Method 1
The locking assembly can include a spring connected to the platform and that frame that biases the locking assembly into the locked position
Implementation Method 2
The platform is pivotally moveable between a tilted position, where a free edge of the platform is in contact with the surface for rollably receiving the wheelchair, and a horizontal position
Data Source
AI summary
A wheelchair accessible cycle that can be driven on a surface and operated from a wheelchair. The wheelchair accessible cycle comprising a frame and a platform. The frame has a front portion with a first wheel and a rear portion with second and third wheels. The platform is disposed laterally between the second and the third wheels and longitudinally between the front and rear portions of the frame. The platform is configurable to transport the wheelchair and pivotally moveable between a tilted position, where a free edge of the platform is in contact with the surface for rollably receiving the wheelchair, and a horizontal position, where the platform is generally horizontal and the wheelchair is adjacent to the front portion of the frame when the wheelchair is loaded onto the platform.