Vehicle Anchor Track System for Personal Mobility Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Passenger vehicles are not designed to accommodate wheelchairs or personal mobility devices, requiring aftermarket modifications for secure transportation and seating arrangements, which can be cumbersome and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle system featuring a track with adjustable anchors and actuators that can engage and secure personal mobility devices, allowing them to be stowed and secured within the vehicle, enabling the user to sit in the device during travel by adjusting the anchors' length and position using a computer-controlled system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If production vehicles are designed to accommodate personal mobility devices, then accessibility and convenience are improved, but vehicle complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The anchor system is designed to serve multiple functions: it can secure personal mobility devices in various positions, accommodate different device sizes and weights, and provide both transport mode and seated occupancy mode support. The track and anchor configuration allows the same structural elements to handle diverse PMD types without requiring vehicle-specific modifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The anchor system incorporates movable anchors along tracks that can be dynamically positioned to accommodate different PMD sizes and weights. The anchors can slide along the track to adjust their position, and the system can adapt its configuration based on the specific PMD being secured, providing flexibility without permanent structural modifications.
2Adaptability or versatility
If adjustable anchors with actuators are implemented, then adaptability to different PMD sizes is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The anchor system incorporates movable anchors along tracks that can be dynamically positioned to accommodate different PMD sizes and weights. The anchors can slide along the track to adjust their position, and the system can adapt its configuration based on the specific PMD being secured, providing flexibility without permanent structural modifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The system includes sensors that automatically detect the presence and characteristics of a PMD, and the actuators automatically adjust the anchor positions and engagement forces accordingly. This self-adjusting capability reduces the need for manual configuration and simplifies the user interface while maintaining high adaptability.
3Ease of operation
If sensors and actuators are added for automatic anchor adjustment, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system includes sensors that automatically detect the presence and characteristics of a PMD, and the actuators automatically adjust the anchor positions and engagement forces accordingly. This self-adjusting capability reduces the need for manual configuration and simplifies the user interface while maintaining high adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces manual mechanical adjustment mechanisms with automated sensor-actuator systems. Sensors detect PMD characteristics and automatically control actuators to position and secure anchors, eliminating the need for manual measurement and adjustment by the user.
4Adaptability or versatility
If anchors are made movable along tracks, then adaptability to different PMD positions is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The anchor system incorporates movable anchors along tracks that can be dynamically positioned to accommodate different PMD sizes and weights. The anchors can slide along the track to adjust their position, and the system can adapt its configuration based on the specific PMD being secured, providing flexibility without permanent structural modifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The anchor system is divided into modular components: discrete anchors that can move independently along segmented track sections. This segmentation allows each anchor to be controlled and positioned independently, providing fine-grained adaptability while keeping individual components relatively simple and manageable.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle includes a vehicle body having a floor. The vehicle includes a track supported by the floor. The vehicle includes a first anchor supported by and movable along the track, the first anchor configured to engage with a personal mobility device. The vehicle includes a second anchor supported by and movable along the track, the second anchor configured to engage with the personal mobility device.