Wheelchair Docking Latch Design Without Through-Floor Drilling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing passenger vehicles lack efficient and safe mechanisms for securely docking wheelchairs, often requiring aftermarket modifications that can damage vehicle components and create safety hazards.

Innovation Solution

A wheelchair docking system with a frame having movable upper and lower portions, latching mechanisms, and scissor assemblies, allowing for secure coupling and adjustment without drilling through the vehicle floor, and featuring adjustable latches and actuators for safe and versatile wheelchair attachment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If through-floor drilling is used for wheelchair attachment, then secure attachment is achieved, but vehicle floor damage occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewheelchair attachment securityVSAvoidvehicle floor damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the drilling operation from the attachment process by using a track system that is pre-installed in the vehicle floor without requiring through-floor holes. The track receives docking system components that attach wheelchairs securely through mechanical engagement with the track rather than through-floor fasteners, thereby achieving secure attachment without damaging the vehicle floor.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The track system serves as an intermediary between the vehicle floor and the wheelchair docking system. Instead of directly drilling through the floor to attach wheelchairs, the track mediates the connection by providing a reusable, non-damaging interface that secures the docking system components while preserving the integrity of the vehicle floor.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If aftermarket modifications are made to accommodate wheelchairs, then wheelchair accessibility is improved, but vehicle component damage risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewheelchair accessibilityVSAvoidvehicle component damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The track system provides a universal interface that can accommodate various wheelchair docking system configurations without requiring custom modifications to the vehicle. The track can receive different docking system designs, making the vehicle adaptable to multiple wheelchair types while avoiding damage through standardized, non-invasive installation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The track system is installed in advance during vehicle manufacturing or initial setup, eliminating the need for damaging aftermarket modifications. This preliminary action creates a ready-to-use interface that enables wheelchair accessibility from the outset without requiring subsequent invasive alterations to vehicle components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If complex latching mechanisms are used for wheelchair docking, then attachment reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment reliabilityVSAvoidlatching mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The latching mechanism is designed to automatically engage and lock the docking system to the track when the wheelchair is properly positioned and secured. This self-latching action eliminates the need for manual operation or complex control systems, achieving high attachment reliability through simple, automatic engagement that reduces overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces complex mechanical latching systems with simpler magnetic or spring-loaded engagement mechanisms that automatically secure the docking system to the track. These simplified mechanisms provide sufficient attachment reliability through passive mechanical forces rather than requiring active control systems or complex multi-component latching assemblies.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Provides safer and more reliable wheelchair attachment, maintaining clearance and stability during vehicle operation, while avoiding damage to vehicle components and ensuring easy installation without through-floor drilling.

Implementation Method 1

the first latching mechanism is biased to its latching position by a spring

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpring: Spring

Data Source

PatentEP4387578B1Wheelchair docking system

Publication Date: 2025.10.01 BRAUN CORP

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Figure 3A

AI summary

A wheelchair docking system including a frame having an upper portion and a lower portion, the upper portion being movable relative to the lower portion between a lowered position and a raised position. A coupler mechanism engages a wheelchair during a docking operation. The system also includes a first latching mechanism being movable between a retracted position and a latching position such that the first latching mechanism is spaced from the coupler mechanism. A second latching mechanism moves the upper portion of the frame between its lowered position and raised position. The first latching mechanism is partially retracted by a wheelchair during the docking operation, and the first latching mechanism is biased to its latching position when the coupler mechanism engages the wheelchair.