Wheelchair Platform Conversion for Accessible Taxis Without Re-Approval
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Solution Overview
Problem
The high cost and regulatory hurdles of modifying traditional vehicles for disabled access, combined with inefficient taxi services, result in long wait times and financial burden for disabled individuals.
Innovation Solution
A modular transport system for vehicles that includes a fixed and movable platform with coupling means, allowing conversion between configurations for disabled and non-disabled passengers, ensuring compliance without re-approval.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional vehicle is modified to accommodate a wheelchair, then accessibility for disabled people is improved, but the vehicle requires re-approval which is time-consuming and uncertain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the platform movable rather than fixed. The platform can be positioned in different locations within the vehicle compartment and adjusted between use and storage positions. This dynamic configuration allows the vehicle to adapt to wheelchair accessibility needs without permanent structural modifications, thereby avoiding the re-approval procedure while maintaining accessibility when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the vehicle interior into distinct functional zones: a fixed base platform and a movable platform that can be independently positioned. This segmentation allows the movable platform to be deployed only when wheelchair transport is required, leaving the rest of the vehicle structure unchanged and compliant with original approval, thus resolving the contradiction between adaptability and regulatory compliance.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a vehicle is specifically adapted for disabled people, then accessibility is improved, but the cost is higher
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universality by designing a platform system that serves multiple functions: it can transport wheelchairs when needed, and can be repositioned or stored to accommodate standard passenger seating arrangements. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate specialized vehicles for disabled people, reducing overall costs while maintaining accessibility capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable platform allows the vehicle to dynamically switch between accessibility mode and standard passenger mode. This dynamic adaptability means a single vehicle can serve both disabled and non-disabled passengers throughout the day, maximizing utilization and eliminating the need for expensive dedicated accessible vehicles, thereby reducing the quantity of substance (cost).
Data Source
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AI summary
System (1) of transport for disabled people containable in a compartment (V) of a vehicle (100). The system (1) comprises a fixed platform (2), stably connectible to a floor (101) of the vehicle (100) and configured to receive a wheelchair resting on it, a receiving region (3) to which rear coupling means for a wheelchair are constrained or constrainable, and a movable platform (4) connected to the fixed platform (2). The movable platform (4) is movable with respect to the fixed platform (2) between an extended position, in which it is positioned alongside the fixed platform (2) to define an extension of the fixed platform (2), and a closed position, in which it at least partially overlaps the fixed platform (2).