Wheelchair Docking Braces for Stable Multi-Wheel Vehicle Restraint
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wheelchair docking systems provide only a single anchor point, leading to undesirable wheelchair movement and discomfort for users.
Innovation Solution
A wheelchair docking station with multiple anchor points, utilizing a first and second brace arm with shiftable surfaces and clamping mechanisms, actuated by motors and inflatable members, to securely engage the wheelchair wheels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single anchor point is used to dock the wheelchair, then the device complexity is reduced, but the wheelchair movement constraint is insufficient leading to user discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The docking system is segmented into multiple independent anchor points (first anchor, second anchor, third anchor) distributed across the vehicle floor. Each anchor point independently engages with corresponding pins on the wheelchair, creating a multi-point constraint system that significantly improves wheelchair positioning stability while maintaining reasonable device complexity through modular design
2Stability of the object's composition
If multiple anchor points are implemented to constrain wheelchair movement, then the positioning stability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the docking function into multiple discrete anchor points with associated guide slots and locking members. Each anchor point is a self-contained module that can be independently manufactured and assembled, reducing overall system complexity despite the increased number of components
Solution Approach 2:
The anchor points are arranged in a two-dimensional distribution pattern on the vehicle floor rather than a single linear arrangement. This spatial distribution optimizes the constraint geometry to effectively prevent wheelchair movement in multiple directions (lateral, longitudinal, and rotational) while using a reasonable number of components
3Force
If the brace surfaces are made rigid for strong engagement, then the clamping force is increased, but the adaptability to different wheelchair wheel positions is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The brace surfaces are designed with selective shiftability - they can move toward the gap axis to engage wheelchair wheels during docking, then return to a neutral or repositioned state to accommodate different wheelchair types and wheel positions. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the system to maintain strong clamping force when needed while adapting to various configurations
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 effectively reduces wheelchair movement, enhancing user comfort by providing secure and stable docking through multiple anchor points.
Implementation Method 1
a first clamping mechanism is mounted at the first support surface and coupled to the first brace surface and a second clamping mechanism is mounted at the second support surface and connected to the second brace surface
Data Source
AI summary
A wheelchair docking station for a wheelchair in a vehicle includes a first brace including a first brace arm, the first brace being mountable in the vehicle, and a second brace including a second brace arm, the second brace being mountable in the vehicle. The second brace is spaced from the first brace by a gap including a gap axis that is parallel to each of the first brace and the second brace. The first brace arm includes a first brace surface that is selectively shiftable toward the gap axis to engage a first wheel of the wheelchair, and the second brace arm includes a second brace surface that is selectively shiftable toward the gap axis to engage a second wheel of the wheelchair.