Wheelchair Dock Height Adjustment Using Passenger-Specific Data

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wheelchair docking systems in vehicles require manual height adjustments for different wheelchairs, which is cumbersome, increases dwell times, and poses a risk of operator injury, especially in autonomous rideshare vehicles lacking a human operator.

Innovation Solution

A database is used to store passenger-specific wheelchair data, allowing the docking system to automatically adjust its height based on stored configuration and characteristics, enabling seamless transitions across vehicles using networked docking systems.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If manual height adjustment is used for the docking system, then the docking system can be adapted to different wheelchairs, but it increases dwell times and creates operator injury risk

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedocking system adaptabilityVSAvoiddwell time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The docking system automatically detects wheelchair characteristics and adjusts its own height without manual intervention. The system uses sensors to measure wheelchair parameters and actuates the height adjustment mechanism autonomously, eliminating the need for operator involvement and reducing dwell time while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The manual mechanical adjustment process is replaced with an automated electromechanical system. Sensors detect wheelchair characteristics and trigger an actuator to automatically adjust the docking height, substituting manual mechanical operation with an automated control system that reduces time and eliminates operator risk.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If manual height adjustment is used for the docking system, then the docking system can be adapted to different wheelchairs, but it creates operator injury risk

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedocking system adaptabilityVSAvoidoperator injury risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The docking system performs self-adjustment using automated sensors and actuators, completely eliminating operator involvement in the height adjustment process. This self-service mechanism removes the harmful factor of operator injury risk while preserving the system's ability to adapt to different wheelchair configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The manual mechanical adjustment process is replaced with an automated electromechanical system controlled by sensors and actuators. This substitution eliminates operator contact with the adjustment mechanism, removing the injury risk while maintaining full adaptability to different wheelchairs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Productivity

If automated height adjustment is implemented, then dwell times are reduced and operator risk is eliminated, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedocking efficiencyVSAvoiddocking system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The docking system integrates multiple functions into a single unified system: wheelchair detection, characteristic measurement, data processing, and automated height adjustment all occur within one integrated platform. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity compared to having separate systems for each function, while maintaining high productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Object-affected harmful factors

If automated height adjustment is implemented, then operator injury risk is eliminated, but the initial system cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperator injury riskVSAvoidsystem implementation cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses cost-effective sensors and actuators that enable automated adjustment without requiring expensive specialized equipment. The self-service capability is achieved through integrated low-cost components that work together to provide autonomous height adjustment, reducing the initial implementation cost while eliminating operator injury risk.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS20260069474A1Wheelchair dock and method of use

Publication Date: 2026.03.12 BRAUN CORP

AI summary

A wheelchair docking system database may be implemented to communicate with vehicles including docking systems for a wheelchair. The docking system may be coupled to a controller to adjust the height of the docking system. The docking system controller may be in communication an computing device configured to communicate wirelessly with the database and initiate a predetermined set of logic steps. These steps serve to automatically prepare the docking system height for a specific passenger.