Translatable Fall Prevention Device for Mass Transit Seats
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mass transit passenger vehicles often lack sufficient seat height to integrate armrests for fall prevention, and existing armrests are bulky and prone to deterioration, failing to effectively secure passengers with reduced mobility during transit.
Innovation Solution
A mass transit passenger vehicle seat with a fall prevention device integrated into the seat bottom that can translate vertically to protrude above the seat bottom, providing secure support for passengers with reduced mobility while allowing able-bodied individuals to use the seat without obstruction, and featuring a telescoping design with locking mechanisms for easy access and retraction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional armrests are installed to prevent falls, then passenger safety is improved, but the seat width increases and the armrests deteriorate quickly
Solution Approach 1:
The fall prevention device is nested within the seat bottom structure. When retracted, the device is completely integrated into the seat bottom, providing support without increasing seat width. When deployed, it extends vertically to provide the necessary fall prevention functionality, thus resolving the contradiction between safety and compactness.
Solution Approach 2:
The fall prevention device is made dynamic through its ability to translate vertically between a retracted position (integrated into seat bottom) and a deployed position (protruding above seat bottom). This dynamic configuration allows the seat to adapt between providing maximum compactness and providing maximum safety support as needed.
2Reliability
If armrests are added to secure passengers with reduced mobility, then fall prevention is improved, but the seat structure becomes more complex and bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The fall prevention device is merged with the seat bottom structure, forming an integrated system rather than a separate add-on component. The device shares the seat bottom's structural framework and mounting points, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining fall prevention functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The fall prevention device serves multiple functions: it provides fall prevention support for passengers with reduced mobility, maintains a compact integrated form when not in use, and can be easily deployed and retracted. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, simplifying the overall seat structure.
3Reliability
If the seat bottom height is increased to accommodate armrests, then fall prevention capability is improved, but the seat design becomes less adaptable to different vehicle configurations
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of increasing the fixed seat bottom height, the fall prevention device provides dynamic height adjustment through vertical translation. The device can extend to the necessary height for fall prevention and retract to maintain the original seat bottom profile, allowing the seat design to adapt to various vehicle configurations without permanent modifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The fall prevention function is segmented from the main seat bottom structure into a separate deployable component. This segmentation allows the seat bottom to maintain its original height and design for general use, while the separate device can be activated only when fall prevention is needed, preserving design versatility.
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 fall prevention device effectively secures passengers with reduced mobility during transit without adding bulk to the seat, enhances accessibility for individuals with crutches or wheelchairs, and maintains a compact form when not in use, ensuring safety and practicality for all users.
Implementation Method 1
The first part and the third part are each provided with a rack cooperating with a pinion borne by the second part, the upward movement of the third part causing the upward movement of the second part relative to the first part.
Implementation Method 2
The device comprises a spring that connects a slug of the click to a finger of the second part, said spring exerting an elastic force keeping the click in its first or second position.
Implementation Method 3
the notches are oriented such that it is impossible to lower the device without disengaging the click from the notches
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
This mass transit passenger vehicle seat (2) comprises a seat bottom (4). It also comprises a fall prevention device (6) placed on the side (C1) of the seat bottom (4) and translatable in a globally vertical position (Z6) perpendicular to the seat bottom between a first configuration (figure 1), where it is completely integrated into the seat bottom, and a second configuration (figure 2), where it protrudes above the seat bottom.