Claims:We Claim:
1. A wheelchair lift for passenger vehicles, the said wheelchair lift comprising:
- a mounting assembly (400);
- a platform assembly (200);
- a guiding assembly having combined bearing and profile (600);
- a hydraulic cylinder (700) to give a unidirectional force for up and down motion of the platform;
- a control box (800);
- a pendent box stowed on a wall mounted clip inside the vehicle (117);
- a safety lock (900);
- a safety flap (1000);
characterized by the platform assembly (200) that is unfolded and deployed at entry level position in a horizontal orientation, and further moved to ground level position in the unfolded condition and inversely, and folded at stowed position in a vertical orientation adjacent to the vehicle opening and the safety flap (1000) which folds and unfolds from 00 – 1350 providing a slope to get the wheelchair over the platform assembly (200) and stooping at 900 by sliding the panel (109) acting as a safety barrier.
2. The wheelchair lift as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the main structure assembly (400) consists of:
- a guiding assembly support (404) which guides the platform assembly (200) during the vertical motion and manages the horizontal load, transverses load and cantilever load generating during the dynamic and static condition;
- a hydraulic cylinder mounting bracket (403) that transfers the vertical load acting on the hydraulic cylinder (307) to structure;
- a mounting bracket (111, 401) which mounts the Wheelchair Lift into the vehicle controlling the load transfer;
- a handle mounting bracket (405, 406) that is used to mount the handle (107).
3. The wheelchair lift as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the Platform assembly (200) consists of a top platform structure (113) and a bottom platform structure (102) connected to a heavy duty hinge to fold and unfold the top platform; structure panels (501, 502) supporting the platform structure (113, 102), anti-skid rubber (201, 203) on the structure panels (501, 502) preventing the wheelchair from slipping back during operation and a brush fitted on the top platform structure (113) to avoid the dust entry into the vehicle.
4. The wheelchair lift as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the guiding assembly (600) transfers the cantilever load from platform assembly (200) to the main structure (312) using the combined bearing giving smooth vertical guiding to the platform assembly (200) during the operation of the wheelchair lift and consists of a C-channel (601) that connects the platform assembly (200) and the combined bearing and transfers the cantilever load; a roller (603) connected with its mounting bracket (604) which is used to transfer the transverse load to the main structure (312) using a rolling C-sec (303, 304).
5. The wheelchair lift as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the hydraulic cylinder (700) is connected between hydraulic cylinder mounting brackets (403) and platform assembly (200) which moves the platform assembly (200) vertically and to take vertical force acting on the system and a hydraulic power pack with an integrated emergency system.
6. The wheelchair lift as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the control box (800) consists of:
- an electrical control unit (803), electrically connected to top proximity sensors, home proximity sensor, pendent box, Hydraulic power pack unit, Pressure sensor, Lock proximity sensor, relays, and includes a buzzer of which light turns on when interlock allows electrical power to the lift and turns off when interlock disables the power to the lift;
- a hydraulic power pack unit managing speed of the hydraulic cylinder (307) controls the manual operation of wheelchair lift for downward and upward motion in case of power failure during the operation; and
- a control box cover (104, 801).
7. The wheelchair lift as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the Safety lock (900) consists of –
- a safety lock pin (901) locking the wheelchair lift by entering into slot present in the guiding system (310);
- a safety spring (902) which manages the movement of the safety lock pin (901);
- a sensing pin (903) which gives the signal to the control box (800) whether the wheelchair is locked or not;
- a safety lock mounting lock nut (904) which mounts the safety lock assembly into the structure (312). , Description:FIELD OF INVENTION
The present invention generally to the field of mechanical engineering;
More particularly, the present invention relates to a vehicle wheelchair lift;
More particularly, the present disclosure relates to wheelchair lifts for use with passenger vehicles, and to a mechanism for using the same.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
People with disabilities have consistently described how transportation barriers affect their lives in important ways. The dependency on the car may be related to the low level of public transit available to respondents. Public transport is extremely challenged for people with physical disabilities or reduced mobilities. It is a common sight to see the differently abled getting into buses or public transports using their hands and feet. A flight of stairs is a problem to a physically impaired passenger. Existing transport facilities are not sufficient. In order to have a barrier free transportation system, it is important to have a system which serves physically challenged people too.
The removal of physical barriers is a prerequisite for their access to the transportation network, but also a huge challenge for transport network operators, especially when the infrastructure is old. Some examples of physical barriers that can be found in public transportation are: Unsuitable steps, Significant differences in height between floors, long distances, slippery floors, Excessive space between the platform and the vehicle, Access heights too important. These difficulties mainly concern people with ambulatory disabilities but can be extended to all people with reduced mobility. There exists a need to develop a system which will help to make the transport system physically challenged enabled.
The prior art reveals that there have been attempts to develop a wheelchair lift for passenger vehicles. Following patent and non-patent literature describes the existing state of the art.
US9603759B2 discloses a compact wheelchair lift mechanism useable within a relatively small vehicle cabin space, such as a pickup truck with an extended cabin. The wheelchair lift includes a lateral actuator and a vertical actuator that cooperate to move a wheelchair support laterally in and out of a vehicle cabin and vertically between the cabin floor and the ground. The vehicle includes a lowered floor for expanding the vertical opening available to the lift, wheelchair, and vehicle occupant. The lift is positioned within the vehicle cabin such that no loss of seating capacity results from the installation of the lift.
US8910326B2 relates to an improved wheelchair lift-transfer device provides capabilities for a patient or caregiver to independently control the wheelchair and lift functions to elevate and move about safely. The patient can use a handheld wireless remote control and summon their wheelchair lift-transfer device from across the room, to their bedside, then independently transfer into the device and then drive it about in their home, raising and lowering their body as needed.
The exhaustive literature search conducted to identify prior art indicated that several efforts have been made in the past to develop wheelchair lifts for vehicles. However, these methods (prior arts) are not efficient in terms of seamless integration into passenger vehicles and also require large space to be fitted. Besides this the prior arts have limitations with respect to the high costs associated with them.
Therefore, in light of foregoing discussion, there exists a need to overcome the drawbacks associated with the existing wheelchair lifts for vehicles.
The present invention describes a wheelchair lift for passenger vehicles with a folding mechanism.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION
It is the primary object of the present invention is to provide a solution to the boarding constraints of physically disabled while utilizing the public transportation facilities;
Further object of the present invention is to develop a passenger vehicle wheelchair lift with a folding mechanism.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Embodiments of the present disclosure present technological improvements as solution to one or more of the above-mentioned technical problems recognized by the inventor in conventional practices and existing state of the art.
The present disclosure seeks to provide a passenger vehicle wheelchair lift with a folding mechanism for persons who are physically challenged or otherwise have limited mobility.
In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, the wheelchair lift for passenger vehicles comprises: a mounting assembly (400); a platform assembly (200); a guiding assembly having combined bearing and profile (600); a hydraulic cylinder (700) to give a unidirectional force for up and down motion of the platform; an electrical control panel (800); a pendent box stowed on a wall mounted clip inside the vehicle (117); and a safety flap (1000).
According to further aspect of the present invention, the wheelchair lift is characterized by a platform assembly (200) which can be unfolded and deployed at entry level position in a horizontal orientation, and further moved to ground level position in the unfolded condition and inversely, and folded and stowed at stowed position in a vertical orientation adjacent to the vehicle opening.
The objects and the advantages of the invention are achieved by the process elaborated in the present disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS:
The accompanying drawings constitute a part of this specification and illustrate one or more embodiments of the invention. Preferred embodiments of the invention are described in the following with reference to the drawings, which are for the purpose of illustrating the present preferred embodiments of the invention and not for the purpose of limiting the same.
For simplicity and clarity of illustration, the drawing figures illustrate the general manner of construction, and descriptions and details of well-known features and techniques may be omitted to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the invention. Additionally, elements in the drawing figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help improve understanding of embodiments of the present invention. The same reference numerals in different figures denotes the same elements.
In the drawings:
Fig. 1 illustrates wheelchair lift in folded condition in accordance with the embodiments of the present invention;
Fig. 2 illustrates wheelchair lift in an unfolded condition in accordance with the embodiments of the present invention;
Fig. 3 shows exploded view wheelchair lift in unfolded condition in accordance with the embodiments of the present invention;
Fig. 4 describes main structure of wheelchair lift in accordance with the embodiments of the present invention;
Fig. 5 describes platform assembly in accordance with the embodiments of the present invention;
Fig. 6 describes guiding assembly in accordance with the embodiments of the present invention;
Fig. 7 shows hydraulic cylinder in accordance with the embodiments of the present invention;
Fig. 8 illustrates exploded view of control box in accordance with the embodiments of the present invention;
Fig. 9 shows safety lock in accordance with the embodiments of the present invention;
Fig. 10 shows exploded view of safety flap in accordance with the embodiments of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The following detailed description illustrates embodiments of the present disclosure and ways in which the disclosed embodiments can be implemented. Although some modes of carrying out the present disclosure have been disclosed, those skilled in the art would recognize that other embodiments for carrying out or practicing the present disclosure are also possible.
The present invention provides a wheelchair lift for passenger vehicles.
According to an embodiment of the present invention the said wheelchair lift comprises parts such as a mounting assembly (400); a platform assembly (200); a guiding assembly having combined bearing and profile (600); a hydraulic cylinder (700) to give a unidirectional force for up and down motion of the platform; an electrical control panel (800); a pendent box stowed on a wall mounted clip inside the vehicle (117); and a safety flap (1000).
According to further embodiment of the present invention, the wheelchair lift is characterized by a platform assembly (200) which can be automatically unfolded and deployed at entry level position in a horizontal orientation, and further moved to ground level position in the unfolded condition and inversely, and automatically folded and stowed at stowed position in a vertical orientation adjacent to the vehicle opening
According to an embodiment of the present invention, the mechanical actuator includes a hydraulic cylinder (700) and a hydraulic power pack with an integrated emergency system.
According to further embodiment of the present invention, the electrical control panel includes an alarm of which light turns on when interlock allows electrical power to the lift and turns off when interlock disables the power to the lift.
According to further embodiment of the present invention, the safety flap (100) folds and unfolds from 00 – 1350 and stooped at 900 by sliding the panel (1001).
In the drawings, the Figure 3 represents an exploded view of wheelchair Lift (Fig 1) in unfolded condition. The main structure (312) is fitted on the assembly stand and then the platform assembly (Fig 5) is kept inside the main structure (312) on the ground and both are connected with the help of the guiding assembly (310) with the means of the bolt on the platform assembly (200). Rolling sec (303, 304) is bolted on the main structure (312) and hydraulic cylinder (307) is connected to the cylinder mounting bracket and platform assembly (200) with the means of the mounting pin (305, 306). Both the hydraulic cylinder (307) will be connected to the hydraulic power pack the means of the hydraulic hose and synchronize the platform movement. After synchronizing, all the electrical components will be fitted on the structure. After that the rear panels (308, 309) will be fitted on the structure by means of screw and then sliding panel (109) will be bolted on the platform assembly (200). Now the main cover will be screwed on the main structure (312) and then control unit (803) will be fitted on the main structure (312). After this safety flap (202), Handle (107) and safety lock (110) will be fitted
In the drawings, the Figure 4 represents Main structure (400) of the Wheelchair Lift. The main purpose of the main structure (400) is to manage the Horizontal force, vertical load, transverse load and cantilever load acting on the Wheelchair Lift (Fig 1) during the operation, to mount all the accessories which are required to operate the Wheelchair Lift (Fig 1). The structure is designed in such a way that all the force to be transferred to the bus through the mounting bracket (111). The main structure (312) is designed by taking care the factor of safety 1.5 for the loading capacity of 300 Kg on the platform assembly (Fig 5) as per AIS-153. The main structure (400) is tested and validated during the design stage by doing CAE analysis and also validated with real life prototype valuation at component level and at system level. The main structure (400) has following parts:
- Guiding assembly support system assembly (404) which is fitted into the structure, guides the platform assembly (200) during the vertical motion and manages the horizontal load, transverses load and cantilever load generating during the dynamic and static condition;
- Hydraulic cylinder mounting bracket (403) which is fitted on the structure transfers the vertical load acting on the hydraulic cylinder (307) to structure;
- Mounting brackets (111, 401) help to mount the Wheelchair Lift (Fig 1) into the vehicle and manages all the load transfer, the mounting brackets (111, 401) are designed in such a way that the Wheelchair Lift (Fig 1) can be mounted into the vehicle such as Bus in just 15 min, which will help to reduce the assembly time during the vehicle manufacturing;
- Handle mounting bracket (405, 406) is used to mount the handle (107) which provides the more confidence to the passenger during the use of the Wheelchair Lift (Fig 1).
In the drawings, figure 5 represents Platform assembly (200) which consists of the top platform structure (113) and bottom platform structure (102) which are connected to a heavy duty hinge to fold and unfold the top platform. The main purpose of the folding the platform is to reduce the space required to mount the Wheelchair Lift (Fig 1) into the vehicle. The platform assembly (200) has structure panels (501, 502) to give more strength to the platform structure (113, 102) and anti-skid rubber (201, 203) on the structure panels (501, 502) so that the wheelchair does not slip back during operation. A brush is fitted on the top platform to avoid the dust entry into the bus. The dimension of the platform assembly (200) is controlled as per the ARAI standard AIS-153. The platform assembly (200) is designed by taking care the factor of safety 1.5 for the loading capacity of 300 Kg as per AIS-153. The platform assembly (200) is tested and validated during the design stage by doing CAE analysis and also validated with real life prototype valuation at component level and at system level.
In the drawings, the figure 6 represents a Guiding assembly (600) which transfers the cantilever load from platform assembly (200) to the main structure (312) with the help of the combined bearing and also give the smooth vertical guiding to the platform assembly (200) during the operation. The guiding assembly (600) consist of guiding system main support C-channel (601) is used to connect the platform assembly (200) and the combined bearing and transfer the cantilever load, it also connects the roller (603) with its mounting bracket (604), Roller is used to transfer the transverse load to the main structure (312) with the help of the rolling C-sec (303, 304).
In the drawings, figure 7 represents a Hydraulic cylinder (700) which moves the platform assembly (200) vertically and to take vertical force acting on the system. Hydraulic cylinder (307) is designed with a factor of safety of 2.5 to ensure the maximum safety of the passenger during the operation. The Hydraulic cylinder (307) is connected between Hydraulic cylinder mounting brackets (403) and platform assembly (200).
In the drawings, figure 8 shows a Control box (800) which controls all the operation automatically and to make the Wheelchair Lift (Fig 1) operation easier. Control box (800) consists of –
- Electrical control unit (803), it is a PLC controlled unit which is electrically connected to top proximity sensors, home proximity sensor, pendent box, Hydraulic power pack unit, Pressure sensor, Lock proximity sensor, relays, Buzzer and electrical connector. The PLC is programmed as per the AIS-153 requirement, with a proper operating sequence to make the Wheelchair Lift (Fig 1) operation easy. The purpose of the buzzer is to provide the signal to the passenger and the driver that the Wheelchair Lift (Fig 1) is in working condition. All the operation sequence will be done through the 3-button pendent box;
- Hydraulic power pack unit, the hydraulic cylinder (307) is connected to this unit to move the hydraulic cylinder (307) vertically with the means of the pressure with the help of the hydraulic oil of 68 grade. The speed of the hydraulic cylinder (307) will be controlled through this unit. This unit is integrated with manual operation for downward and upward motion. This manual operation is used when there is no power or any power failure happened during the operation;
- Control box cover (104, 801), a panel cover is designed to cover all the electrical units with all the accessories, and this control unit is mounted in RH side of the Wheelchair Lift.
In the drawings, figure 9 represents Safety Lock (900) which is a mechanical device which is fitted on the main structure (312) to lock the Wheelchair Lift (Fig 1) when not in use i.e., when Wheelchair Lift (Fig 1) acts as a step of the bus and provides the signal to the control box (800) whether the Wheelchair Lift (Fig 1) is locked or not. Safety lock (900) consists of –
- Safety lock pin (901) which locks the Wheelchair Lift by entering into slot present in the guiding system (310);
- Safety Spring (902) which manages the movement of the safety lock pin (901;
- Sensing pin (903) which gives the signal to the control box (Fig 8) whether the wheelchair is locked or not;
- Safety lock mounting lock nut (904) which mounts the safety lock assembly into the structure (312).
In the drawings, figure 10 represents Safety flap (1000) which provides the slope w.r.s.t ground to get into the wheelchair easily over the platform assembly (200) and also to act as a safety barrier by locking the safety flap by sliding at 90 degree. The safety flap (1000) is designed in such a way that it can fold from 0 degree to 135 degree and also can be locked at 90 degrees by sliding.
According to an embodiment of the present invention, the wheelchair lifts provide wheelchair access to public use vehicles including buses, school buses and large multi-purpose vehicles. The wheelchair lift has a solid, foldable platform that is raised and folded into the vehicle when stowed. The platform on the lift foldable horizontally to reduce overall lift length when stowed. This results in a less space required to install in the bus. The hydraulic and mechanical system provide smooth movement to both antiskid platforms where the wheelchair and occupant are situated during the “Up” and “Down” lift motions. The wheelchair lifts have a rated load capacity of 300 kilograms. Wheelchair lifts contain electro-hydraulic pumps with built-in manual backup pumps. If a wheelchair lift loses power, it can be raised or lowered manually. Person operate the wheelchair lift by using a durable and water-resistant control pendant. The control pendant is used to move up and down the platform. The operator securely unfolds the top platform and then lower the platform. The passenger boards the center of the anti-skid platform, facing inward then locks the wheelchair brakes. The operator raises the platform to the bus floor level. After the passenger departs, the platform is stowed back to home position as a first footstep the vehicle.

WORKING EXAMPLE
The present wheelchair lift for passenger vehicles is mounted at the side door of the vehicle and occupies the space where the access stairs is located. At rest, the said wheelchair lift functions as stairs for pedestrians to step in and out the bus and while deployed, the system is automatically transformed into a lift platform to assist wheelchair occupants to embark or disembark the vehicle. This wheelchair lift platform folds out from vehicle stairs, raises up to vehicle floor and then downward to the ground. When not in use, the platform can be folded and acts as stairs of the bus, leaving enough room for doorway. There is a non-slippery platform provided to put the wheelchair on. The said wheelchair lift functions gravity down meaning thereby the pump runs during upward operation only which essentially saves electricity during downward operation as it is gravity decline. Manual lift operation facility provided for use in emergency when there is no power.
The Wheelchair lift product had been validated with the maximum loading capacity 350 Kg for a cycle of 15000 practically with the help of the control box and logical circuit. The wheelchair lift product had been fitted in the real scenario i.e., the product is integrated with bus and tested along with bus and tested for 2000 km with bus. The product is also tested in the bus for a cycle of 500. The final product is also inspected and validated all the requirements of the AIS153 standard and the product is approved by the ARAI (Automotive Research Association of India).