Wheelchair Securement Bumpers for Fast Independent Transit Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing securement systems for wheeled mobility devices in vehicles are cumbersome and time-consuming to apply, often requiring driver assistance and not providing sufficient independence for mobility passengers to secure themselves and their devices.
Innovation Solution
A securement system utilizing moveable bumpers that deploy and engage with wheeled mobility devices through compression, allowing passengers to independently secure their devices with a button-activated automatic locking sequence, and adjusting grip force based on mechanical pressure sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional tie-down based securement systems are used, then basic crash test requirements and occupant stability are met, but the systems become cumbersome and time consuming to apply
Solution Approach 1:
The mobility passenger independently operates the securement system by pressing a button to activate the locking sequence and pressing the button again to release, eliminating the need for driver assistance and reducing application time while maintaining securement reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical tie-down systems with an automated compression-based system using motors, sensors, and control circuits that automatically adjust and lock the bumpers, reducing manual manipulation time while ensuring consistent securement force
2Ease of operation
If traditional securement systems are used, then basic securement function is provided, but mobility passengers do not receive sufficient independence to secure themselves
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables complete independence for mobility passengers through self-service operation: the passenger presses a button to initiate the locking sequence and presses it again to release, with the system automatically performing all securement actions without requiring driver assistance or complex manual manipulation
Solution Approach 2:
The control circuit serves multiple functions: detecting button presses, activating motors for bumper movement, monitoring pressure sensor feedback, and controlling the locking sequence, thereby managing system complexity through a multi-functional control unit rather than separate dedicated components for each function
3Ease of operation
If compression-based securement with moveable bumpers is used, then ease of operation and independence are improved, but the system requires precise force adjustment to ensure safety
Solution Approach 1:
Pressure sensors provide real-time feedback on the compression force applied to the wheeled mobility device, allowing the control circuit to monitor and adjust the motor-driven bumper movement to achieve and maintain the precise force required for safe securement while keeping the operation simple for the passenger
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 mobility passengers to easily and independently secure their wheeled mobility devices, reducing application time and eliminating the need for driver assistance while ensuring secure and adjustable restraint during transit.
Implementation Method 1
a compression mechanism configured to apply a compressive force to the wheeled mobility device
Implementation Method 2
mechanical pressure sensors that detect the level of force or compression applied to the WMD
Data Source
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AI summary
The embodiments described and claimed herein include an automated securement system that secures a wheeled mobility device for transit in a vehicle, and periodically re-secures the wheelchair to ensure proper securement despite shifting of the wheelchair during transit. The embodiments also include improvements to a compression-based wheeled mobility device securement system.