BraunAbility Q Series Wheelchair Lift Wheelchair Lift by Purdue University and BraunAbility Team

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DESIGN DETAILS

DESIGN NAME:
BraunAbility Q Series Wheelchair Lift

PRIMARY FUNCTION:
Wheelchair Lift

INSPIRATION:
Having a lift that goes up and down is one thing. We set out to reinvent the wheelchair lift to match the premium experience of modern vehicles. By combining our four decades of experience with human-centered design processes we now proudly present our new BraunAbility Q-Series inboard lifts. The reliability and robustness synonymous with BraunAbility together with a smart design that excels above all others in three dimensions: quiet while driving, structural rigidity, and design aesthetics.

UNIQUE PROPERTIES / PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
The Q series wheelchair lift is designed to provide reliable mobility access for wheelchair users worldwide. It is 10% lighter than previous models, yet the lift supports high loads with a 300% stiffer structure. It has the only deep drawn vertical arm on the market for improved structure and aesthetics. Additionally, it is quieter than any lift on the market. It has improved visibility and safety with a simple and intuitive control, and LED lighting incorporated inside and outside the platform’s edge.

OPERATION / FLOW / INTERACTION:
The operation is simpler than any lift on the market. Previous designs use separate switches for unfolding and lowering the platform. This caused confusion and errors by users. Operators frequently would try folding the unit when they intended to lower the unit. The Q Series lift has a single toggle control. To unfold simply press and hold the toggle downward, when it is fully unfolded, it stops. Then to lower the platform, release and press downward on the toggle again. When it reaches the ground it automatically stops.

PROJECT DURATION AND LOCATION:
The project started in January 2015 and launched in June 2016. The project was a collaboration between Purdue University, BraunAbility and Autoadapt.

PRODUCTION / REALIZATION TECHNOLOGY:
The sturdy yet light construction is made possible by using a closed box arm geometry to increase rigidity while removing unnecessary material elsewhere to reduce weight. This allowed the design to have a beautiful curved facade with indented portion to allow the handles to nest neatly inside the front profile. The platform edge is made with steel structure and aluminum extruded channels with integrated safety lights. The hydraulic pump housing is formed with pressure formed plastic. All wear surfaces are stainless steel and the remained are powder coated steel.

SPECIFICATIONS / TECHNICAL PROPERTIES:
overall width 1225mm X depth 540mm X height 1410mm platform width 860mm X platform length 1320mm floor to ground 800mm Weight Capacity 400 kg Unit Weight 152 kg Voltage 12V Current 70A Cycle Test Approved 32,000 Crash Test Approved Climate Test Approved EMC Test Approved EN 1756 Compliant ECE R-10 Compliant REACH Compliant GADSL Compliant RoHS Compliant 3TG Compliant

TAGS:
wheelchair lift, hydraulic mechanism, accesibility, lift, hydraulic, wheelchair, LED

RESEARCH ABSTRACT:
As nice as an ultra light lift sounds, weight reductions can come at a high cost to safety, rigidity and reliability. We don't believe in gambling with these factors just so we get to call it: World's lightest lift. Instead, we opted for reducing the weight as much as we could without any negative trade off. The Q series wheelchair lifts weigh in at about 150 kg. Compared to our previous models, we've cut weight by roughly 10 percent. However, it's also 300 percent more rigid than any other lift we’ve tested. That rigidity is something you will feel when riding on the lift. It will feel safe and reliable.

CHALLENGE:
The strong silent type Almost all lifts on the market today follow a common industry standard set by BraunAbility close to 40 years ago. Over that time our lifts have earned the reputation of being reliable workhorses. However, inboard lifts also ride inside the cabin and honestly, sometimes they're not the best passengers. They can rattle. They can look ugly in nice vans. They can even shift and sway under load while in use. Having a lift that goes up and down is one thing. We set out to reinvent the wheelchair lift to match the premium experience of modern vehicles. Autoadapt proudly present our new BraunAbility Q series inboard lifts. The reliability and robustness synonymous with BraunAbility together with a smart design that excels above all others in three dimensions: quiet while driving, structural rigidity, and design aesthetics.

ADDED DATE:
2017-02-28 21:32:03

TEAM MEMBERS (11) :
Designer: Steve Visser, Designer:Yingxiao Max Cao, Engineer: Rob Bettcher, Engineer: Justin Kline, Mechanical Engineer: Haiyan Henry Zhang, Mechanical Engineer: Cong Liao, Mechanical Engineer: Achilleas Bardakas, Sound Engineer: Mark French, Sound Engineer: Pu Wang, Marketing: Mike Alexander and Product Manager: Phill Bell

IMAGE CREDITS:
None needed

PATENTS/COPYRIGHTS:
11 patents pending

Visit the following page to learn more: http://bit.ly/2oD1g0i

CLIENT/STUDIO/BRAND DETAILS

NAME:
BraunAbility

PROFILE:
Braunability is a leading supplier of wheelchair vehicles and lifts. For over 40 years, no name has been more trusted than Braunability. Known for its quality and service, Braunability was founded by Ralph Braun, a man who needed a mobility solution for himself. Through his example of innovation and perseverance, Braunability created the mobility industry as we know it today and the company remains a global leader, not just for their experience, but for their continued endeavors toward excellence. Their products are built to trust, and their international dealer network is built to serve.

AWARD DETAILS