Wheelchair Docking Coupler With Recessed Latching Clearance

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional wheelchair docking systems in vehicles often result in reduced clearance between the wheelchair and the floor due to protruding bolts, leading to potential tipping or obstruction issues, and lack effective mechanisms for secure latching and adjustment for different-sized passengers.

Innovation Solution

A wheelchair docking system featuring a frame with a movable upper portion and a coupler mechanism that includes a first latching mechanism biased by a spring or actuator, and a second latching mechanism for adjusting the frame's position, along with scissor assemblies and tether assemblies for secure engagement and adjustable alignment with the vehicle floor.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional wheelchair docking systems use protruding bolts to secure the wheelchair, then the wheelchair can be firmly attached to the floor, but the clearance between the wheelchair and floor is reduced leading to potential tipping or obstruction issues

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewheelchair attachment securityVSAvoidreduced clearance causing tipping or obstruction

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the protruding bolts from the docking system and replaces them with a recessed coupler mechanism that engages with the wheelchair from below the floor surface. This extraction of the harmful protruding element eliminates the clearance reduction problem while maintaining secure attachment through the recessed engagement structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a coupler mechanism as an intermediary component that mediates between the wheelchair and the floor attachment system. This coupler engages with the wheelchair frame and transfers forces through the floor structure without requiring protruding bolts, thereby maintaining clearance while ensuring secure attachment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If a fixed docking system is used, then the structure is simple and robust, but it cannot accommodate different-sized passengers or adjust to various wheelchair configurations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedocking system structureVSAvoidaccommodation for different passenger sizes and wheelchair types

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates a movable upper portion in the frame that can adjust between different positions and orientations. This dynamic element allows the docking system to adapt to various wheelchair sizes and configurations while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure through controlled mobility rather than complex adjustable mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The coupler mechanism is designed with multi-functionality to engage with different wheelchair frame configurations and accommodate various passenger sizes. The same basic coupler structure can adapt to different wheelchair types through its engagement geometry, eliminating the need for multiple specialized docking systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Device complexity

If a single latching mechanism is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but it cannot provide both secure wheelchair engagement and frame position adjustment simultaneously

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelatching mechanism countVSAvoidsecure engagement and adjustment functionality

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the latching function into two separate mechanisms: a first latching mechanism dedicated to securing the wheelchair to the coupler, and a second latching mechanism dedicated to adjusting and securing the frame position. This segmentation allows each mechanism to be optimized for its specific function while working together to provide comprehensive engagement and adjustment capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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

The system provides increased clearance, secure latching to prevent tilting during vehicle turns, and adjustable positioning to accommodate various passenger sizes, enhancing safety and usability compared to conventional systems.

Implementation Method 1

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

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpring: Spring

Data Source

PatentUS20240016674A1Wheelchair docking system and method thereof

Publication Date: 2024.01.18 BRAUN CORP

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.