Vehicle Master Controller for Wheelchair Seating Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current transportation vehicles lack the ability to automatically adjust their seating configurations to accommodate wheelchairs and users' specific needs during transportation, failing to provide optimal space and comfort.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle system equipped with a master controller that communicates with a wheelchair's control unit to move rear passenger seats along tracks, adjusting their configuration based on received data regarding user biometrics, wheelchair requirements, and destination information, using actuators and sensors for optimal seating arrangement and charging of the wheelchair's battery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the vehicle uses fixed seating configuration, then the structure is simple and reliable, but it cannot accommodate different wheelchair requirements and user needs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements movable rear passenger seats that can be dynamically repositioned along tracks based on wheelchair requirements. The seats transition from fixed positions to movable positions controlled by actuators, allowing the system to adapt to different wheelchair sizes and user needs while maintaining a relatively simple base structure
Solution Approach 2:
The seating system is designed to serve multiple functions: it can accommodate different wheelchair types (manual, powered, electric), support various user configurations, and provide both fixed and movable seating modes. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by making a single system adaptable to diverse requirements without proportionally increasing complexity
2Productivity
If the vehicle manually arranges seats for wheelchair accommodation, then the system is simple, but it consumes time and reduces transportation efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service automation where the wheelchair itself provides data about its requirements, and the vehicle's master controller automatically processes this information to determine optimal seat arrangements. The actuators then automatically reposition seats without manual intervention, significantly reducing the time and effort required compared to manual arrangement while maintaining system simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the wheelchair communicates its requirements (size, type, user needs) to the vehicle's master controller. The controller uses this feedback to automatically calculate and execute the appropriate seat configuration, creating a closed-loop system that improves transportation efficiency without requiring complex manual intervention
3Adaptability or versatility
If the vehicle does not interface with the wheelchair, then the system is simple and reliable, but it cannot automatically arrange seats or meet user requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a master controller as an intermediary between the wheelchair and the vehicle's seating system. The controller receives data from the wheelchair about its requirements and translates this information into automated seat arrangement commands. This intermediary layer enables sophisticated adaptability while keeping the actual interface requirements relatively simple through standardized communication protocols
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments herein are directed to a vehicle. The vehicle includes a passenger compartment and a master controller. The passenger compartment has a plurality of rear passenger seats disposed on a track. Each seat of the plurality of rear passenger seats is configured to move on the track. The master controller is configured to receive a first data from a wheelchair and to direct a movement of each seat of the plurality of rear passenger seats along the track. In response to receiving the first data, the master controller actuates at least one actuator to move at least one of the plurality of rear passenger seats along the track to provide a transportation space for the wheelchair based on the first data received from the wheelchair.