H-POINT AND R-POINT

Following the decision to focus our designs around the chair and wheelchair restraining system. We have begun to research H-Point and R-Point. 

"In vehicle design and especially automotive design, the H-point (or hip-point) is the theoretical, relative location of an occupant's hip, specifically the pivot point between the torso and upper leg portions of the body, either relative to the floor of the vehicle or relative to the height above pavement level—and pertinent to seating comfort, visibility from the vehicle into traffic and other design factors. Technically, the measurement uses the hip joint of a 50th percentile male occupant, viewed laterally.

For the purpose of U.S. regulation and GTR's(Global Technical Regulations) — and for clear communication in safety and seating design — the H-point is defined as the actual hip point of the seated crash test dummy itself, whereas the R-point (or SgRP, seating reference point) is the theoretical hip point used by manufacturers when designing a vehicle — and more specifically describes the relative location of the seated dummy's hip point, when the seat is set in the rearmost and lowermost seating position."

SWIVEL SEATS

As we have chosen to include a 360° swivel chair as part of our design. We have carried out some research, looking at how they work. The mechanism for these seats already exist, mainly DIYs, however there are many small retailers that sell these modification swivel plates for a range of vehicles. 

the mechanism consists of two plates of metal on-top of each other – the bottom plate stays fixed to the base of the seat (i.e. the box mounted on the floor of the van), while the top plate is fixed to the bottom of the actual chair (or more accurately to the sliding runners on the bottom of the chair). You pull a handle to unlock the plates and the top one swivels around – simple really. Usually all you need to do is unbolt the seat from its base, bolt the swivel onto the base instead, then bolt the seat onto the swivel. [1]

[1] http://www.campervanconversion.co.uk/fitting-swivel-seats.html

The other adaptation to the car seat (under seat storage) will require raising the seats, this shouldn't be a problem as WAVs or vehicles that have the option to be adapted for wheelchair access have a greater interior floor to ceiling height (as found through first hand research carried out). Therefore this is a factor that could easily be worked around.

CRITIQUE SESSION

16/11/2015- Round table critique session with Jonathan and Philip. Review of work to date and discussion about designs we had proposed. 

Feedback from the session: 

"They’ve gone through a lot of effort with their solution. However I think side access is an issue that they’ll find difficult to crack. As discussed on the day there is some great stuff in their work, but they may need to slightly re-think their solution to come up with the best product."

"The internal 360° driver/passenger idea overcomes the challenges faced by the ramp and access issues and will bring the wheelchair access/security up to date." 

Following the session feedback, we have decided to focus on the 360° chair design with integrated storage, this will give the parent/ carer full access to the disabled child. While also providing a place to store wheelchair attachments, along with other items.

We also wish to not fully abandon the wheelchair ramp/ securing system. However we have chosen to simplify this and make it a two part system along with the 360° chair concept. We will be concentrating on the method of securing the wheelchair into the car so that it is safe during transit. 

By combining the 360° chair and the wheelchair restraint method as a two part system, we will be creating a universal design that could fit into any car/minivan with wheelchair access. 

Our aim for this system is to simplify the way in which the wheelchair and the child is secured within the vehicle, making it easier for the parent/carer. We are also fulfilling our brief by allowing easier access to the child during transit.