Wheelchair Position Sensing for Safe Ramp Loading Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wheelchair securement systems in compact vehicles face challenges such as limited space, difficulty in securing wheelchairs, and risks of injury during loading and unloading due to manual steering and uneven wheelchair alignment, with electrical winches not adequately addressing these issues.
Innovation Solution
A wheelchair securement system with electronically-controlled retractors under the front seats, capable of securely fastening and maneuvering wheelchairs using motorized tie-down units, allowing remote control and independent steering, reducing manual effort and enhancing safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual steering is used to guide wheelchair up the ramp, then the driver can control wheelchair alignment, but the risk of injury to driver and passenger increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical steering with an electronic steering system that uses a motorized steering column to automatically guide the wheelchair up the ramp. The system incorporates sensors to detect wheelchair position and automatically adjusts steering angle, eliminating the need for manual intervention and reducing injury risk while maintaining alignment control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary electronic control system between the driver and wheelchair during loading operations. This intermediary system includes automated steering control and position sensing that mediates the interaction, allowing the wheelchair to be guided safely up the ramp without direct manual contact from the driver or passenger.
2Extent of automation
If electrical winches with long cables are used to pull wheelchair up the ramp, then loading is automated, but the wheelchair alignment control is lost and injury risk remains
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the winch lifting function with electronic steering control into an integrated loading system. The motorized steering column works in conjunction with the winch mechanism, allowing automated lifting while simultaneously maintaining alignment control through electronic steering adjustments based on sensor feedback.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms including sensors that detect wheelchair position, ramp angle, and alignment status. This feedback is continuously monitored by the electronic control system which automatically adjusts steering and winch operation to maintain proper alignment during the automated loading process, eliminating the alignment control loss associated with simple winch systems.
3Length of moving object
If compact vehicle design is used to reduce vehicle size, then vehicle dimensions are reduced, but the wheelchair securement space is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic securement systems including motorized tie-downs that can automatically adjust and tighten restraints based on wheelchair position and vehicle motion detection. The securement area is designed with movable components and adjustable geometry that adapt to different wheelchair configurations, maximizing the utilization of limited space while maintaining securement effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes in the securement system including adjustable anchor points, variable restraint forces, and reconfigurable securement geometries. These parameter adjustments allow the limited securement space to accommodate various wheelchair sizes and positions while maintaining adequate restraint forces for safety.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided herein is a controller configured to determine the position, direction, or speed of a wheelchair during ingress or egress in a wheelchair accessible vehicle. The controller may receive input from any combination of sensors configured to provide signals indicative of the wheelchair position, direction, or speed, such as cameras, light curtains, and floor pressure sensors. The controller can be configured to sense and correct unsafe conditions, such as the wheelchair approaching an edge of a ramp, and to sense when the wheelchair has reached a final securement position and/or has departed the vehicle.