Wheelchair Dock Floor Integration for Vehicle Accessibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Passenger vehicles are not designed to accommodate wheelchairs, requiring aftermarket modifications for wheelchair accessibility, which can compromise safety and convenience for wheelchair users.
Innovation Solution
A wheelchair-dock system integrated into the vehicle, featuring a floor with elongated depressions and a movable member actuated by a motor or solenoid, which extends to cover and secure the wheelchair wheels, ensuring stability and safety during motion, and includes a control module for airbag deployment in case of impact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a lift or aftermarket modification is installed to load a wheelchair onto a vehicle, then wheelchair accessibility is improved, but vehicle complexity and safety risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The wheelchair accommodation system is segmented into separate functional components: a dedicated dock structure with recesses for wheel positioning, independent securing mechanisms (straps or latches), and integration points on the vehicle floor. This modular approach allows wheelchair accessibility to be added without complicating the entire vehicle system.
Solution Approach 2:
The wheelchair dock is merged with the vehicle floor structure, integrating the docking function directly into the existing floor pan. This combination eliminates the need for separate lift mechanisms while maintaining accessibility, as the dock provides both entry and securing functions within the vehicle's existing structural framework.
2Area of stationary object
If a wheelchair is stowed in the cargo area, then space utilization is improved, but wheelchair usability and passenger safety are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The dock design allows dynamic positioning of the wheelchair within the passenger cabin. The wheelchair can be placed in various orientations (facing forward, backward, or sideways) depending on the number of wheels accommodated, providing flexibility in space utilization while maintaining ease of access and operation for the user.
Solution Approach 2:
The dock provides localized wheelchair accommodation in specific areas of the passenger cabin rather than requiring cargo area storage. By creating dedicated recesses in the floor at appropriate locations, the system enables wheelchair users to remain in the passenger compartment, maintaining usability and safety while efficiently using available space.
3Adaptability or versatility
If production vehicles are modified to accommodate wheelchairs, then wheelchair accessibility is improved, but manufacturing cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The wheelchair dock is designed as a pre-fabricated assembly that can be integrated into the vehicle floor during production. By preparing the dock structure with predetermined recesses and mounting points before vehicle assembly, the system enables wheelchair accommodation to be incorporated into production vehicles without requiring complex post-manufacturing modifications.
Data Source
AI summary
A wheelchair-dock system includes a floor including an elongated depression, a movable member, an actuator drivingly coupled to the member, and a position sensor coupled to the member. The depression defines a lateral direction. The member is movable in the lateral direction between an extended position over the depression and a retracted position.