Transfer Seat Locking Mechanism for Accessible Vehicle Seating
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle seat transfer bases for handicapped accessible vehicles lack adjustability and secure locking mechanisms, making it difficult for individuals with physical disabilities to comfortably transition between their wheelchairs and vehicle seats.
Innovation Solution
A transfer seat base with a rail frame, carriage frame, powered motive mechanism, and a variable locking assembly that allows longitudinal movement between a forward driving position and a rearward occupant transfer position, featuring a locking mechanism that automatically secures the carriage frame at various positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the seat transfer base is made fixed and non-adjustable, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability for different users and positions is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the locking mechanism adjustable to multiple positions along the rail frame. The carriage frame can be locked at various locations between the forward driving position and rearward transfer position, transforming a static fixed structure into a dynamic multi-position system that adapts to different user needs while maintaining structural integrity.
2Reliability
If the locking mechanism is made secure and reliable, then the stability during vehicle operation is improved, but the ease of operation for position adjustment is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented into multiple discrete locking positions along the rail frame, with each position having its own locking engagement point. This segmentation allows the system to provide secure locking at each discrete position while enabling easy adjustment between positions through the powered motive mechanism, resolving the contradiction between security and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is designed to automatically engage and lock when the carriage frame reaches a desired position along the rails. The system self-locks without requiring additional manual intervention, maintaining reliability while preserving ease of operation through automatic position securing.
3Ease of operation
If the seat transfer base allows movement between positions, then the ease of transfer for disabled individuals is improved, but the stability during vehicle operation is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically transitions between mobile and locked states. During transfer operations, the carriage frame moves freely along the rails to accommodate disabled individuals. Once positioning is complete, the locking mechanism engages to provide stable, fixed positioning, thus resolving the contradiction between movement ease and operational stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is positioned and configured in advance along the rail frame at multiple predetermined positions. This preliminary arrangement allows the carriage frame to be quickly and easily locked at the appropriate position before vehicle operation begins, ensuring both ease of transfer and subsequent stability.
Data Source
AI summary
A transfer seat base for a vehicle, including a rail frame having rails; a carriage frame positioned to ride along the rails and configured for receipt of a seat mounted thereto; a powered motive mechanism for, upon actuation, longitudinally moving the carriage frame along the rails between a forward driving position and a rearward occupant transfer position; a locking mechanism operable upon cessation of actuation of the motive mechanism to automatically lock the carriage frame against longitudinal movement at various positions between the forward driving position and rearward occupant transfer position.