Wheelchair Ramp Bracket for Manual-to-Power Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing passenger vehicles require significant time and expense to convert from a manual wheelchair ramp system to an automatic system, necessitating a solution that reduces the time and cost of such conversions.
Innovation Solution
A convertible wheelchair ramp system featuring a bimodal bracket that supports both manual and power modes, utilizing a common ramp assembly and fold arm, with interchangeable components for manual and power configurations, allowing seamless conversion between modes without structural modifications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a manual ramp system is installed in a vehicle, then the initial cost is lower, but converting to an automatic system later requires significant time and expense
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket assembly is designed with a universal interface that can accommodate both manual and automatic ramp systems. The bracket includes a spindle aperture that can receive different spindle types (manual crank spindle or automatic motor spindle), allowing the same bracket to support either ramp configuration without requiring structural modifications or additional mounting hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The ramp system is divided into separable functional components: the bracket assembly (which remains permanent), the spindle (which is interchangeable), and the ramp assembly (which can be detached). This segmentation allows the transition from manual to automatic operation by simply replacing the spindle and associated operating mechanisms while retaining the common bracket and ramp structure.
2Ease of operation
If a power ramp system is installed initially, then automatic operation is achieved, but the cost is significantly higher
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides the option to install only the essential components needed for automatic operation (motor, spindle, chain drive) while utilizing the existing common bracket and ramp structure. This partial implementation allows automatic functionality to be added later without requiring a complete system replacement, thereby reducing the effective cost of upgrading from manual to automatic operation.
3Reliability
If different bracket designs are used for manual and power ramps, then each configuration is optimized, but conversion between modes requires removing and replacing the entire bracket assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket assembly incorporates a universal mounting interface with a spindle aperture that can accommodate different spindle types through the same opening. This design allows the bracket to be optimized for both manual and automatic configurations without requiring separate bracket designs, thereby simplifying conversion procedures while maintaining configuration-specific optimizations.
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
Enables quick and cost-effective conversion between manual and power wheelchair ramp systems, utilizing a shared bracket and interchangeable components to minimize downtime and expenses.
Implementation Method 1
A clock spring is connected to the bimodal bracket and the fold arm in the manual mode
Implementation Method 2
A motor is connected to the bimodal bracket and the fold arm in the power mode
Implementation Method 3
A chain is coupled to the second ramp plate and the fold arm, wherein the motor extends the second ramp plate with respect to the first ramp plate through the chain and a chain cam
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method of converting a wheelchair ramp system from one of a manual mode or a power mode to the other of a manual mode or a power mode. The wheelchair ramp system includes a bimodal bracket having a common spindle aperture, a common ramp, a common ramp fold arm, and a common fold arm collar. The bimodal bracket supports either a spring for the manual mode or a motor for the power mode. The common spindle aperture accepts a spindle of the spring or a spindle of the motor, each of which is captured by the common fold arm collar. The common ramp fold arm is coupled to the common fold arm collar and to the common ramp. A common stow switch is fixed to a bracket and a position of the bracket is used in both the manual mode and the power mode to adjust a stow position of the ramp.