BR-202020004981-Y1 - DISPOSITION APPLIED TO VEHICLE SEATS

Abstract

DEVICE APPLIED TO VEHICLE WHEELCHAIRS. This utility model applies to vehicle platforms, robotics, and assistive technologies, such as wheelchairs, electric scooters, and other similar options, with the ability to automatically adjust the seat angle. The aforementioned angle change will be made automatically by means of a linear actuator and a sensor capable of detecting the need for it. The automatic position change implies that no movement is required on the part of the wheelchair user or third parties. The altered angle refers to the position of the seat in relation to the horizontal plane defined by the ground on which the chair travels. The system has the ability to change this angle by up to 30 degrees clockwise and counterclockwise. The product is intended for people with temporarily or permanently impaired mobility who require special equipment for locomotion. It is especially useful for wheelchair users who need to be kept at a defined angle for medical or comfort reasons.

Inventors

• MÁRCIO FALCÃO SANTOS BARROSO
• LUIS FERNANDO FREIRE DE SOUZA
• VITOR HUGO REZENDE DIAS
• MARCO ANTÔNIO DA MATA VIEIRA
• JOÃO GABRIEL DA CRUZ PASSOS
• ANDRÉ LUIZ LEAL DA COSTA JUNIOR

Assignees

• FUNDAÇÃO DE AMPARO Á PESQUISA DO ESTADO DE MINAS GERAIS
• UNIVERSIDADE FEDERAL DE SÃO JOÃO DEL REI

Dates

Publication Date

20260317

Application Date

20200312

Claims (1)

1. 1. Arrangement applied to vehicle seats, characterized by being constituted by the articulation of the seat axis (B), by the articulation (C) that interconnects the seat (A) to the linear actuator (D), which in turn is connected to the articulation (E) located at the base of the vehicle platform structure, providing the degree of freedom necessary for the linear movement of the actuator to be transformed into angular movement of the seat in relation to its articulation (B), and coupling device of the control system to the seat, in which (F) is the location where the seat tilt sensor is connected, having a control system that is fed back by information from the tilt sensor, activating and controlling the actuator or motor whenever there is any difference between the desired value of seat tilt and the actual value measured by the sensor.

Description

[001] The present utility model relates to assistive technologies employed in vehicular and robotic platforms, such as wheelchairs. This system is especially useful for users who need to be kept in a specific position for comfort or health reasons. STATE OF THE ART [002] Concern for accessibility is quite prevalent, and the intention of professionals involved in this field is to develop a world that is more accessible to all members of society. The broad development of this objective requires time, and until it is possible to do so, it is interesting to create new ways to integrate people with special needs into various public spaces. For people with mobility impairments, this integration usually involves access to such places themselves. [003] In this context, vehicular platforms, robotics, and assistive technologies, exemplified primarily by wheelchairs, are popular devices that have been in continuous use throughout human history and aim to provide broad accessibility for their users. Modern technology also allows for a wide range of modifications to these devices, making them increasingly capable of restoring autonomy to their users. Technological developments allow devices to be built in such a way that they can be controlled by minimal movements, or sometimes automatically. However, some of these functionalities still bring certain limitations, significantly increasing the weight and dimensions of the chair, and not always completely eliminating the need for an assistant. [004] Reclining mobility devices are an example of these innovations. In them, the seat has the ability to tilt backward. This action, in addition to providing greater comfort in the daily use of the equipment, has medical benefits. These benefits include, but are not limited to, relieving pressure in certain regions of the user's spine, and aiding digestion. [005] Therefore, the ability to recline the seat is important for wheelchair users. This action can be performed, for example, by a simple, manual mechanical system that requires the activation of a lever. However, the state of the art lacks devices with the functionality provided by the present utility model, which involves the use of a specific actuation mechanism. [006] This system coupled to vehicle platforms or assistive technologies can be used by people with temporary or permanent mobility impairments who need wheelchairs to move around. The system is included in the field of seat angle adjustment mechanisms, functioning through the action of a linear actuator responsible for lifting and supporting the user's body weight. PATENTS [007] Chair tilt adjustment mechanisms are quite useful, not only in relation to assistive technologies. The study of the ways in which such functionality can be achieved is quite important. [008] Utility model MU89009339 (DISPOSITION INTRODUCED IN A WHEELCHAIR WITH RECLINING BACKREST) consists of a wheelchair with a gas spring mechanism and trigger lock that allows the chair's inclination to be changed, achieving a wide variety of positions. Although the possibility of reaching the horizontal position is interesting, operating the device requires the activation of levers or locking latches. That is, the wheelchair user must have the physical ability to operate such devices, or have an assistant. The present model presents an actuation system that is much less dependent on the wheelchair user's physical abilities, as it can be done by sensors and without the need for effort. [009] Utility model MU71000720 (WHEELCHAIR FOR PARAPLEGICS WITH INCORPORATED LIFTING SYSTEM AND DISASSEMBLY SYSTEM FOR TRANSPORT) is an invention that has a tilting system arranged in such a way as to allow the user to be in an upright position. Again, the possibilities for application of the invention are clear, but limited. In this case, in addition to requiring the wheelchair user to activate the system, the upright position is only useful for users who have the ability to perform any movement with their arms, given that the purpose of the modification is to allow them access to elevated locations. [010] Patent BR 1020140022260 (MEDICAL CHAIR WITH TILT MECHANISM DRIVEN BY ELECTRIC GEARMOTOR), as can be seen from the patent title itself, is not in the same field of application as those previously discussed. However, it is interesting to note that, like the device proposed in this text, the medical chair uses a linear actuator to perform the tilting movement. Therefore, such mechanisms are capable of performing this task. However, there is a need to adapt them to a mobile device in which the user does not have full physical capacity. The present model, although it also uses an actuator, is adapted to assistive technologies, seeking to meet the needs of physically disabled people, unlike the product discussed, which is intended for use in medical offices. [011] US patent 2019291679 presents a mechanism that enables the tilting of seats. The design also provides for the constr