Patent Application
20110008140
Exemplary embodiments of the present invention are generally related to systems and methods for providing improved access to vehicles for physically challenged individuals. More particularly, in one exemplary embodiment, the present invention provides a lightweight, reduced cost and/or simplified system and method for accessing the interior of a vehicle for wheelchair bound individuals.
Manufactures of vehicles are continuously realizing the importance of providing transportation to all sectors of society's population. One particular sector is physically challenged individuals. Whether the individual is temporarily or permanently disabled, it is important that all individuals have the ability to freely travel as needed. Many times, this includes providing accommodation and/or alterations to vehicles to provide physically challenged individuals with access and/or control of the vehicle. This includes personal vehicles, vehicles for hire (e.g., taxi cabs, buses, trains, airplanes, etc.) or otherwise.
One access configuration for physically challenged individuals include a ramp system for providing access to an interior of a vehicle, particularly a mini-van or the like. In one power ramp system, a ramp is moved between a deployed position and a stowed position. However, the power ramp system has an extremely heavy ramp which is difficult to install and/or move.
Accordingly, in view of the foregoing, there is a need for an improved vehicle access system for physically challenged individuals.
Exemplary embodiments of the present invention provide improved systems and methods for providing access to interior portions of a vehicle by physically challenged individuals.
In one exemplary embodiment, a wheelchair access system for a vehicle is provided. The system includes a frame assembly defining a first track and a second track, the first and second tracks being located on opposite sides of the frame assembly. The system also includes a ramp formed of a porous structural member disposed between a first skin member and a second skin member. The ramp has a first edge portion with one or more rollers attached thereto and a second edge portion having one or more rollers attached thereto. The one or more rollers on the first and second edge portions travel within the first and second tracks, respectively, of the frame assembly. The system further includes a drive motor engaging a first rotatable drum member and a second rotatable drum member. The drive motor is configured to rotate the first and second drum members in first and second directions based on a direction of a current flowing through the drive motor. The system still further includes a first cable engaging the first drum member and a second cable engaging the second drum member. The first and second cables are coupled to the ramp such that the first and second cables move the ramp from a stowed position to a deployed position during the rotation of the first and second drum members in the first direction.
In another exemplary embodiment, a method of deploying and stowing a wheelchair access ramp of a vehicle is provided. The method includes applying a first current through a drive motor in a first direction to cause rotation of a first drum member and a second drum member in a first rotational direction, such that first and second cables attached to the first and second drum members, respectively, move the ramp member toward a deployed position. The method also includes applying a second current through the drive motor in a first direction to cause rotation of the first drum member and the second drum member in a second rotational direction such that first and second cables attached to the first and second drum members, respectively, move the ramp member toward a stowed position.
The above-described and other features and advantages will be appreciated and understood by those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, drawings, and appended claims.
Other objects, features, advantages and details appear, by way of example only, in the following detailed description of embodiments, the detailed description referring to the drawings in which:
Exemplary embodiments of the present invention provide improved systems and methods for providing access to interior portions of a vehicle for physically challenged individuals. In one exemplary embodiment, the improved systems and methods are through the formation of a wheelchair access system having a reduced weight and simplified design. The reduction in weight not only improves potential fuel efficiency of the vehicle but also reduces the power requirement of an actuation drive motor. The reduction in weight is achieved through a combination of features designed to reduce weight of the system yet still provide suitable strength to support individuals entering and exiting the vehicle.
In another exemplary embodiment, the improved system and method includes the use of an improved actuation system for the wheelchair access system. The actuation system is configured to move a ramp between a deployed position and a stowed position. The improved actuation system includes one or more advantageous features such as improved drive motor, quadrature position sensor, electromagnetic clutch, cable configuration and other advantageous features.
Through the above referenced features, and other features shown and described herein, the wheelchair access system provides an improved system having a simplified designed and reduced weight.
Referring to
In operation, upon activation of the wheelchair access system 10 to cause deployment of the ramp, the drums members connected to the drive motor engages the cables to move the ramp along the frame to cause movement of the ramp from the frame assembly to a deployed position. Upon activation of the wheelchair access system to cause stowage of the ramp, the drive motor again engages the cables, through the drum members, to move the ramp back into the frame assembly to a stowed position. It should be appreciated, as shown and described herein, that other features may be utilized as well.
In further detail, the frame assembly is formed of one or more members configured to support the ramp and optionally attachment to a vehicle. In one exemplary embodiment, the frame assembly 12 forms a first track portion 26 and a second track portion 28. The first and second track portions extend from forward portion 20 to rearward portion 22 of the frame assembly. In one configuration, the first and second track portions are configured for receiving and guiding one or more rollers or wheels between the forward portion and the rearward portion of the frame assembly. In one exemplary embodiment, as shown in
In one exemplary embodiment, first and second tracks 26, 28 include an end portion, located towards the forward portion of frame assembly 12, that form a first sloped or tapered portion 30 and a second sloped or tapered portion 31, with respect to other portions of the first and second tracks. Advantageously, as shown in
In one exemplary embodiment, frame assembly 12 includes one or more mounting features for attachment of the frame assembly, and wheelchair access system, to a vehicle. In one configuration, the mounting feature comprises one or more openings formed through the frame assembly, or brackets attached thereto, for engaging suitable mechanical fasteners configured to engage corresponding engagement features of the vehicle, such as a frame member of the vehicle. Other configurations should be appreciated.
Frame assembly 12 is further configured to provide support to cables 17, 18 extending between drum members 49, 50 and ramp 14. In one exemplary embodiment, the cable support comprises one or more, or plurality, of pulleys 32 attached to the frame assembly configured for engaging, guiding and providing support to the cable. Other configurations should be appreciated for providing support to the cables.
The frame may be formed of any suitable material configured for providing support to the ramp and optionally attachment of the wheelchair access system to a vehicle. For example, suitable materials that may be used to form the frame assembly include metal, plastic, rubber, ceramics, combinations thereof or otherwise. In one exemplary embodiment, the material forming the frame assembly comprises a metal such as aluminum, stainless steel, or otherwise. In another exemplary embodiment, the material forming the frame assembly comprises a high strength plastic. Such plastic may include one or more reinforcement features such as fibers, or otherwise, for providing improved strength and durability of the frame assembly.
The ramp of the wheelchair access system is suitable in strength to support individuals entering and exiting a vehicle. The ramp includes a forward edge 34, a rearward edge 36, a first side edge 38 and a second side edge 39 corresponding to the forward, rearward and first and second side portions of the frame assembly. The shape of the ramp is suitable for being stowed within frame assembly 12.
Ramp 14 includes one or more, or plurality, of rollers 40 located on one or both first and second sides edges 38, 39 of the ramp for providing support thereto. In one exemplary embodiment, the ramp includes at least one roller on each side of the ramp. The rollers reside and move within first and second tracks 26, 28 to provide support to the ramp during deployment and stowage thereof.
In one exemplary embodiment, ramp 14 is formed of a lightweight composite material. The composite material includes a lightweight center member 42 interposed between two skin members or outer members 44, 46. In one exemplary embodiment the center member comprises a porous member. In one configuration, the porous member includes a plurality of openings 48 formed through the center member. The plurality of openings may be arranged to form a pattern extend along a length or width, or both, of at least a portion of the center member and in one configuration along the majority of the center member. In one particular example, referring to
Optionally, in one exemplary embodiment, the ramp further includes one or more guild rails for providing guidance for a wheel chair traveling along the ramp. For example, as shown in
The first and second guide rails are adapted to rotate to a deployed position, e.g., extending upwards with respect to the ramp, and a stowed position, e.g., laying against a top surface of the ramp. In one exemplary embodiment, the first and second guide rails rotate upwards to the deployed position upon deployment of the ramp and the first and second guide rails rotate downward to the stowed position during stowage of the ramp.
The first and second guide rails may be rotatable connected to one or more suitable drive motors for causing rotation of the first and second guide rails to the deployment and stowed position. In one exemplary embodiment, movement of the first and second guide rails, and hence the suitable drive motors, are controlled through controller 19.
The ramp may be formed of any suitable material. The material forming the components of the ramp may be the same or different. Suitable materials for forming one or more, or even all, of the components of the ramp include metals, plastics, reinforced plastics, rubber, ceramic, combinations thereof or otherwise. Examples of suitable metal include aluminum, stainless steel or otherwise. In one exemplary embodiment, the center member, outer members or both are formed of a plastic material. In one exemplary embodiment, the center member, outer members or both are formed of a metal material, such as aluminum, stainless steel or otherwise. Other configurations are contemplated.
The wheelchair access system may include one or more drive motors 16 for causing deployment and stowage of ramp 14, in one exemplary embodiment, due to the lightweight nature of the ramp, and wheelchair access system configuration, a single drive motor 16 is used to extend and retract the ramp. The motor may be attached in any suitable location; however, in one exemplary embodiment the drive motor is mounted to one of the first or second side portions 30, 31 of frame assembly 12 and is located proximate or mounted to one of first or second tracks 26, 28.
In one exemplary embodiment, drive motor 16 includes a permanent magnet configured to cause rotation of a drive shaft in a first direction based upon current flow through the drive motor in a first direction and cause rotation of the drive shaft in a second direction based upon current flow through the drive motor in a second direction. In this configuration, the drive motor is configured to operate in response to direct current (DC) flowing therethrough. Other motor configurations are contemplated.
Optionally, in one exemplary embodiment, drive motor 16 also includes a clutch for disengagement of the drive motor from cables 17, 18 to allow for manual deployment or stowage of ramp 14. In configuration, this is achieved through the disengagement of the drive motor from the drum members. In one configuration, the clutch comprises an electromagnetic clutch configured to disengage the cables upon termination of current to the drive motor. Other clutch configurations are contemplated.
In one exemplary embodiment, drive motor 16 includes, or is linkably attached to, one or more rotatable drum members 49, 50 for engagement with one or more cables 17, 18. Alternatively, the drum members may be configured for engagement with a belt. The one or more rotatable drum members are linkably attached to drive motor 16, either directly or through a connector such as a torque tube, for receiving rotational force. For example, referring to
The wheelchair access system may further include one or more sensors 56 for monitoring various characteristics of ramp 14. For example, in one exemplary embodiment, one or more sensors are included for determining position of the ramp, movement direction of the ramp, speed of the ramp or otherwise. Information obtained through the sensors are particularly advantageous for determining interruptions in movement of the ramp, such as during interference with an obstacle or when the ramp reached a deployed or stowed position. In one configuration, the sensor is in communications with controller 19 for providing information relating to the ramp.
In one exemplary embodiment, the wheelchair access system includes a quadrature position sensor. Such sensor is capable of determining position, movement direction and speed of the ramp by monitoring current through the drive motor or otherwise. For example, the sensor may be configured to generate a signal based upon completion of deployment or stowage of the ramp. The sensor is further configured to transmit a signal based upon the state of current through the drive motor to determine whether motion of the ramp should be discontinued or otherwise. For example, should an obstacle interfere with movement of the ramp the resistance to the ramp will change one or more characteristics of the current traveling through the drive motor. The sensor would then transmit a signal indicating that movement of the ramp should be discontinued. Other configurations are contemplated.
In one exemplary embodiment, wheelchair access system 10 may further include a controller for controlling one or more components of the system. For example, referring to
Referring to the drawings, exemplary embodiments of the wheelchair access system 10 of the present inventions are shown. The wheelchair access system includes a frame assembly 12 configured for attachment to a component of a vehicle, through suitable fasteners. The frame assembly includes a first track 26 and a second track 28 extending between a forward portion 20 and rearward portion 22 of the frame assembly. The frame assembly is configured to receive a ramp 14 in a stowed position and guide the ramp to deployed position.
The ramp is formed of a plurality of layers forming a composite component. The layers include a center member 42, and two outer opposing outer members 44, 46. The ramp further includes one or more rollers 40 (e.g., cam rollers or otherwise) extending from first and second side edges 38, 29 of the ramp. The rollers engage and travel within the first and second tracks of the frame assembly. In one configuration, the ramp includes two rollers 40 located on each of the first and second side edges of the ramp and further located towards rearward edge 36 of the ramp. In this configuration, the rollers may be configured to provide support to the ramp through engagement with first and second tracks 26, 28. Optionally, the ramp may further include one or more additional rollers located on each side edge 38, 29 of the ramp and towards forward edge 34 of the ramp and/or at a location between the forward edge and the rearward edge of the ramp. These additional rollers 40 provide reduced friction between the ramp and the frame assembly during deployment or stowage of the ramp.
Optionally, in one exemplary embodiment, one or more of the roller may be substituted with a friction reducing member, such as a bearing member. Such bearing member may be dynamically mounted (e.g., rotatable or otherwise) or be statically mounted. Also, such bearing members may be located anywhere, or even along the entirety, of the ramp and/or first and second tracks to reduce friction therebetween.
Movement of the ramp is controlled through first and second cables 17, 18, which are attached to the ramp through suitable attachment 54 and a single drive motor 16 through a plurality of pulleys 32 attached to the frame assembly. Upon activation of the drive motor, first and second drum members 49, 50 engage first and second cables 17, 18, respectively, to move the ramp to a deployed position, stowed position or otherwise.
Activation and power to the drive motor is achieved through controller 19. The controller controls current to the drive motor to effectuate direction and speed of the motor and hence ramp. Optionally, the drive motor includes an electromagnetic clutch configured to decouple the drive motor from the ramp for providing manual movement of the ramp. The controller may also be in communications with one or more sensors for monitoring operation of the wheelchair access system.
Exemplary embodiments of the present invention also include a method of deploying and stowing a wheelchair access ramp of a vehicle. The method includes directing a current through a drive motor 16 in a first direction to cause movement of a first drum member and a second drum member in a first rotational direction. The movement of first and second drum members 49, 50 in the first rotational direction causes deployment of a ramp member 14. The method further includes directing the current through drive motor 16 in a second direction to cause movement of the first drum member and the second drum member in a second rotational direction. The movement of the first and second drum members in the second rotational direction causes stowage of ramp member 14. The first and second drum members are drivably connected to the ramp through a first cable and a second cable, respectively.
Optionally, the method further includes a controller 19 for directing the current through the drive motor in the first direction and the second direction. The controller may be in communications with one or more sensors 56 being configured to generate a signal based one or more of a position, a movement direction and a speed of the ramp. With regards to position, the sensor may generate a signal based upon whether the ramp is in a deployed position or a stowed position. The sensor may also generate a signal based upon whether the ramp is in contact with an obstacle. In one configuration, the sensor comprises a quadrature position sensor.
Controller 19 is adapted to control one or more functions of drive motor 16. For example, the controller may be configured to terminate power to drive motor to cause disengagement of the drive motor with the first and second cables, through the electromagnetic clutch device. Other steps and features should be appreciated as described and/or shown herein.
While exemplary embodiments have been described and shown, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiments disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.
The present application claims the benefit of prior-filed, co-pending provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/029,793, filed Feb. 19, 2008, the content of which is hereby incorporated by reference.
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind | 371c Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/US2009/034507 | 2/19/2009 | WO | 00 | 9/27/2010 |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 61029793 | Feb 2008 | US |
