Automated Wheelchair Securement Seat for Autonomous Transit
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing securement systems for wheeled mobility devices (WMDs) in vehicles are cumbersome and require assistance, which is impractical for autonomous vehicles with limited space and potential low-speed crash scenarios, necessitating a simplified and autonomous securement solution that integrates seamlessly with the vehicle's interior and ensures occupant and WMD stability during maneuvers and accidents.
Innovation Solution
An automated WMD securement system with powered actuating mechanisms, sensors, and intelligent controllers that deploy securement members with high-friction surfaces to securely hold WMDs, allowing for autonomous operation, efficient space utilization, and adaptive movement to accommodate asymmetrical positioning, while ensuring safety through illuminated status indicators and emergency release mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional WMD securement systems with multiple belts, bumpers, and latches are used, then occupant stability and crash test requirements are met, but the system becomes cumbersome and time-consuming to apply, requiring assistance from another person
Solution Approach 1:
The securement system enables the WMD-bound occupant to secure themselves autonomously through a simplified mechanism. The single belt with automated anchoring allows the occupant to perform the securement action independently without requiring assistance from another person, while still achieving reliable occupant stability during transit and crash events.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts and removes unnecessary components from the traditional securement system. By eliminating multiple belts, bumpers, and latches in favor of a single belt with automated anchoring features, the system reduces complexity and ease of operation while maintaining the essential function of securing the occupant and WMD.
2Extent of automation
If automated securement systems with multiple securement members are deployed, then autonomous operation and WMD stability are achieved, but vehicle interior space is consumed and seating flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts only the essential automated securement function needed for autonomous operation. By using a single belt with automated anchoring instead of multiple securement members, the system achieves the necessary automation level while minimizing the space consumed in the vehicle interior and preserving flexibility for amble passenger seating configurations.
3Ease of operation
If simplified securement systems are used to enable autonomous operation, then ease of operation and space efficiency are improved, but securement reliability and crash protection may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The single belt system with automated anchoring enables the occupant to securely fasten themselves and the WMD independently, achieving ease of operation for autonomous securement. The automated anchoring mechanism ensures reliable engagement with the vehicle structure, maintaining crash protection capability despite the simplified belt configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces complex mechanical securement systems with automated actuators and sensors. The automated anchoring mechanism uses electrical or electronic actuation instead of manual manipulation of multiple mechanical components, enabling autonomous operation while ensuring reliable and consistent securement force during crash events.
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 secures WMDs and occupants without human assistance, optimizing space in autonomous vehicles, ensuring stability during normal operations and potential crashes, and providing a safe and efficient transit experience by minimizing excessive movement and accommodating various driving conditions.
Implementation Method 1
The securement members may be equipped with powered actuating mechanisms that allow automated movement and maintenance of generally constant force
Implementation Method 2
The portion of the securement members designed for contact with the WMD may be equipped with soft, non-marking surfaces constructed of high-friction material
Data Source
AI summary
The embodiments described and claimed herein include an automated securement system that lock a wheeled mobility device into a designated station aboard an autonomous public transit vehicle, thus preventing unintended movement that is discomforting and potentially dangerous for both the WMD user and other passengers. The automated securement system includes features that integrate with typical autonomous public transit vehicles to minimize obstruction during stowage while maximizing effectiveness during deployment.