FIRST HAND MECHANISM RESEARCH

When considering all of our initial ideas, each one involves some kind of securing mechanism for the wheelchair and/or a turntable/ swivel base. These features will allow for easier access and a more user friendly system to get the child into the vehicle with his/her wheelchair. 

With a limited knowledge and understanding of how these mechanisms will work, we decided to go out and look at existing products with features similar to those that we want to integrate into our design. 

We decided to take a look at the swivel systems that a lot of modern car seats now have, that aid the parent/user to easily access their child and strap them into the seat without having to twist or bend while lifting.

Small pull levers on the side of the seat, release the back of the seat from the base, this is indicated by the green central switch on the base.

These two photos show where the seat is secured to the back of the base. This mechanism prevents the seat from rotating freely.

We also had a look at locking systems where the carrier/seat could be easily snapped into place with 4 simple latches in one motion.

This is the seat/carrier with all 3 securing mechanisms in correct position.

The seat/carrier is secured into the base via these 4 lock points. A green light shows on interface if correct, a red light if adjustments are needed.

A button/ slide lock system is used to securely attach and release the rear restraints, holding the base steady within the vehicle. 

Interface indicates which restraints are correctly in place, using green and red lights.

Large grey pull button releases the seat/carrier from the base.

Closer look at the 4 point locking system to secure seat/carrier to the base.
Right image shows the floor restraint, holding the base and seat in the correct, safe position within the vehicle. It has adjustable leg, so can be adapted to most vehicles.

Video showing the ease of use- releasing the 4 point restraints on the base, with one button.

ALLIED MOBILITY- EXISTING WAVS

Allied mobility is the UK's leading WAV (Wheelchair accessible vehicle) supplier.
We have carried out research, looking into existing cars/vans that have been adapted for wheelchair users that are on the market today.

We have chosen 3 examples of WAV's and analysed some of the seating layouts and dimensions.

1. Peugeot Partner Horizon

2.  Peugeot Expert Independence

3. Volkswagen Caddy Maxi Vista

Layout key:

Find more WAV's and more information at:
http://www.alliedmobility.com/

A CLOSER LOOK

We asked Emma Richards (Sammy's sister) to allow us to get a closer look at Alfie's Wheelchair. For our design we aim to keep the child in the wheelchair during transit. Therefore we will need to find a solution to safely secure the wheelchair within the vehicle. We wanted to get a closer look at the wheelchair structure to find any potential to design a lock system around the existing frame.

Underside of the wheelchair showing rings where the rear restraints are attached and front structural bar. 

Our video shows the fold out, anti-tip stands on the wheelchair, they prevent the wheelchair from tilting backwards or falling over.

WHEELCHAIR SPECIFICATIONS

R82 Provide products such as wheelchairs, car seats and walking frames for children with a disability. We have taken a look at one of their more popular wheelchair frames that complies with ISO 7176-19; looking at the dimensions and structure of the base wheelchair frames, in 3 different sizes.

The information we have gathered is taken from R82 website.

See full site:
http://www.r82.com/products/seating/multi-frame/c-23/c-69/p-174/?sku=48541

TRANSPORT OF WHEELCHAIR USERS IN VEHICLES

Transport of wheelchair users in vehicles- guide and standards

We have looked into:
ISO 7176-19 “Wheeled mobility devices for use as seats in motor vehicles”

"The test standard ISO 7176-19 is developed by authorities and specialists and it states a minimum demand on wheelchairs regarding transport in vehicles." (Invacare Pre-sale information booklet, 2009)

The following images are taken from an invacare guide that is available with all of their wheelchairs. 
Invacare are a Elyria, Ohio and UK based company that was founded  in 1885, they are market leading manufacturers of mobility products. 

Invacare's full guide booklet can be found here:
http://www.invacare-rea.com/doc/files/azalea/Pre-sale%20Transport_090915.pdf

OUR INSPIRATION

We have chosen Disability access as our focus area. Sammy has a young Nephew (Alfie Richards) who requires a wheelchair 6+ hours a day. This makes everyday tasks considerably more time consuming and complicated for not only Alfie but his parents too. Sammy's sister (Emma Richards) has provided the team with valuable insight into her day to day life, the structure in place, the complications and the effects that happen as a result. The following images taken, show how Emma gets both Alfie and his wheelchair in and out of the car. 

Left: Exterior view of hatch door at the rear of the vehicle, this is where the user can access the ramp.

Right: Wheelchair restrains switch- Allows the user to restrict the retraction of support straps. 

Left: Wheelchair restraint straps at the rear end of the vehicle.

Right: Rear ramp extended. Alfie Richards in his wheelchair, with front wheelchair restraint straps attached. 

Left: Full view of the lowered floor, with all wheelchair restraints in the rear of the vehicle.

Right: Alfie in his wheelchair being pushed up the ramp into the vehicle.

Left: Left hand wheelchair restraints.
Right: Right hand wheelchair restraints.

Left: Front wheelchair constraints fully retracted and secured. 

Right: Rear wheelchair restraints attached to wheelchair and extended.

Left: Alfie in Wheelchair, fully secured ready for transit.

Right: Rear ramp folded up in away position. 

Left: Alfie fully secured in his wheelchair in the back of the vehicle.
Right: Position of wheelchair relative to front seats. There is very restricted access to Alfie while he is in the vehicle. This is dangerous as Alfie's mum has no way to quickly access alfie if and complications arise during the journey.

After our initial focused research in our area, we have found that current systems available are alienating to the user and restrict access to the disabled person while in transit. Looking at the existing methods in the area of access during transit, ingress and egress specifically, we have found many areas that could be improved and developed to benefit both the parents/ carers and the child/ disabled person.

OUR BRIEF

Our brief is to find and design a solution to aid and improve accessibility of disability vehicles.Our design will aid carers/parents of disabled children in both loading and transporting their children with more ease.We aim to create a design that is simple and compact, a design that could be incorporated into existing cars.Our design will allow carer/parent and child to interact more freely within the car.