Wheelchair Securement Bumpers With Adaptive Compression Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing securement systems for wheeled mobility devices in vehicles are cumbersome and time-consuming to apply, often requiring driver assistance and not providing sufficient independence for mobility passengers to secure themselves and their devices during transit.
Innovation Solution
A wheeled mobility device securement system utilizing moveable bumpers that deploy and engage with the device through compression, allowing passengers to secure their wheelchairs or scooters independently using a button-activated automatic locking sequence, with adjustable grip force monitored by pressure sensors, and incorporating rotating and non-rotating bumpers for enhanced flexibility and safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional tie-down based securement systems are used, then basic crash test requirements are met, but the system becomes cumbersome and time-consuming to apply
Solution Approach 1:
The mobility passenger can independently operate the securement system by pressing a single button to initiate the automatic locking sequence, eliminating the need for driver assistance. The system self-adjusts and self-secures the wheeled mobility device through automated bumper deployment and compression.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical tie-down systems with an automated compression-based securement system using moveable bumpers actuated by electric motors or linear actuators, controlled through electronic systems and sensors rather than manual mechanical operations.
2Reliability
If traditional securement systems requiring driver assistance are used, then securement can be achieved, but mobility passengers do not have sufficient independence
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables complete passenger independence through self-service operation. The passenger presses an ADA-friendly button to initiate the securement process, and the system automatically completes all securement actions without requiring driver assistance or manual intervention beyond the initial button press.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates pressure sensors that detect the level of force or compression applied to the wheeled mobility device, providing feedback to the control system. This feedback mechanism allows the system to automatically adjust and verify securement effectiveness, ensuring reliable securement while maintaining passenger independence.
3Reliability
If fixed grip force is applied by securement systems, then securement is achieved, but the system cannot accommodate various device positions
Solution Approach 1:
The securement system transitions from fixed grip force to dynamic, adjustable compression force. The moveable bumpers can adjust their position and apply variable compression force based on real-time feedback from pressure sensors, allowing the system to adapt to different wheeled mobility device positions and sizes while maintaining secure securement.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the compression force parameter dynamically based on sensor feedback. The control system adjusts the amount of compression applied by the bumpers to accommodate various device positions and configurations, optimizing both security and adaptability through parameter modification rather than fixed settings.
Data Source
AI summary
The embodiments described and claimed herein include an automated securement system that secures a wheeled mobility device for transit in a vehicle, and periodically re-secures the wheelchair to ensure proper securement despite shifting of the wheelchair during transit. The embodiments also include improvements to a compression-based wheeled mobility device securement system.