Wheelchair Winch Retractors for Remote Ramp Loading Control
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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 uneven surfaces and manual steering, with electrical winches not adequately addressing these issues.
Innovation Solution
A system with electronically-controlled retractors under vehicle seats that function as front tie-downs, winches, and securements, allowing remote operation to safely load and unload wheelchairs without manual steering, featuring independent motor control for precise maneuvering and crash-worthy restraint.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If electrical winches with long cables are used to pull wheelchair up the ramp, then the wheelchair can be loaded into the vehicle, but the driver must still manually steer the wheelchair up the ramp which creates injury risk
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the winch function and steering function into a single integrated system. The electronically-controlled retractors are positioned to provide both pulling force and steering control, eliminating the need for separate manual steering operations and reducing injury risk.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical steering with an electronically-controlled system. The retractors are controlled by electronic signals from a remote control device, substituting the manual mechanical steering action with an automated electronic control system that reduces physical contact and injury risk.
2Volume of moving object
If compact vehicle space is utilized for wheelchair securement, then vehicle size is reduced, but the securement system becomes more difficult to use and space is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The retractors are designed to perform multiple functions: securing the wheelchair during transport, providing winch capability for loading, and enabling controlled unloading. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed in the limited vehicle space while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The electronically-controlled retractors provide dynamic adjustment capabilities, allowing the system to adapt to different loading scenarios and space constraints. The electronic control enables precise positioning and tensioning within the limited securement area.
3Measurement precision
If manual steering is used to guide wheelchair up the ramp, then the wheelchair can be positioned correctly, but the driver is exposed to frequent injury risks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical steering with an electronically-controlled retractor system that provides both pulling and steering functions. The electronic control mechanism eliminates the need for manual physical contact during the loading process while maintaining positioning accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The electronically-controlled retractor system acts as an intermediary between the driver and the wheelchair. Instead of direct manual contact, the electronic control system mediates the steering and positioning actions, reducing direct exposure to injury risks.
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
Enhances safety and efficiency by reducing operator effort and risk of injury, providing secure and controlled wheelchair transport, and optimizing space utilization in compact vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
a motor to transform electrical energy to mechanical energy to drive a spool
Implementation Method 2
The spool is driven by a ratcheting mechanism that restrains the wheelchair during transport
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
Provided herein is a controller for a wheelchair accessible vehicle, the controller receiving a signal from a sensor detecting at least one of a location, a direction, and a speed of a wheelchair, wherein the signal is indicative of at least one of the location, the direction and the speed of the wheelchair. For example, the signal can be indicative of the location of the wheelchair throughout a loading operation and an unloading operation, or indicative of whether the wheelchair is veering off center while traversing a ramp on the wheelchair accessible vehicle. Also provided is a winch apparatus in combination with the controller, the winch apparatus having a restraint that is adapted for pulling the wheelchair up the ramp on the wheelchair accessible vehicle.