Innovative Docking System for Personal Mobility Devices
This invention is an active docking system for personal mobility devices. It is designed to overcome common problems with existing systems, such as low ground clearance and the inability to resist vertical movement, by providing a secure and efficient docking process.
Description
The docking system consists of a dock and a securement pin that can used universally with any vehicle. The dock, which contains the active components and can be powered by the wheelchair's on-board battery, is attached to the underside of a personal mobility device. The securement pin is a passive component attached to the floor of a vehicle. The dock includes one or more releasable locking mechanisms that engage the securement pin. In a preferred embodiment, the dock has two or more locking mechanisms, allowing it to engage the pin whether the personal mobility device moves forward or backward toward it. The locking mechanisms feature first and second lever arms that rotate toward each other to lock and away from each other to release. A release system, which may include servo motors, changes the state from locked to released. The system also includes a sensor system to determine the docking state. To protect the internal components, a flexible guard is positioned between the body and bottom section of the dock.Applications
- Automated, universal docking in vans, buses, and other vehicles used for transport of individuals with restricted mobility.- Securement of manufactured goods or pallets within moving vehicles.
- Integration into omni-directional personal mobility devices.
- Could be adapted for use in hybrid and manual wheelchairs in addition to powered wheelchairs.
Advantages
- Improves safety by limiting both horizontal and vertical motion once docked.- Adapters or other specialty equipment is not required. The locking mechanism is universal and agnostic to vehicle design.
- The dock's compact design and attachment to the mobility device eliminates bulky obstacles in the vehicle.
- Reduces the risk of becoming stuck on objects due to a low-hanging passive element.
- Simplifies the docking process for the user.
- The system can be used with a variety of personal mobility devices and is not limited to wheelchairs.