Re: Automatic Wheelchair Turntable

["Robert L Bass" <robertlbass@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

> That wouldn't be a good idea based on the
> way the ramp operates and folds. We're
> going to get a mating pin for the EZ-lock
> installed on the scooter and move the EZ-
> lock from its current position on the
> passenger side seat floor to the area where
> the scooter travels now, amidships.



> The problem now is that backing up into the
> van is made considerably more complicated
> because Dad has to position the scooter to
> mate with the EZ-lock device.

Is there any way to use guide rails to keep the front wheel aligned while
backing into place?  Without seeing pictures of the ramp it's hard to figure
what would work best for him.  If you can modify the ramp surface to guide
the scooter into place, he should be home free.

> It's beginning to look like the only way certain
> way to proceed is to put another ramp or a lift
> on the door opposite the entry door.

The problem with that is your dad may at times want to parallel park.  That
would mean either entering or exiting into the street where he'll be a
target for some jackass speeding his SUV through town.  Also, if the nearest
corner is some distance down the street he'll have to ride his scooter in
the traffic.  That may make him uncomfortable with the whole system.

> That's going to be expensive because it involves
> both installing a folding ramp and a power unit
> for the sliding door.

I wouldn't do it that way.  It sounds like an expensive and only partially
workable solution.

> The turntable idea is just about dead...

I didn't think that one was going to float.

> When parked sideways, using its own internal
> locking mechanism, it takes an awful lot of force
> to move the scooter.  While I don't believe that
> any amount of forceful braking would cause
> significant movement, a front-end collision
> certainly could.

I think you're wrong about that, Robert.  The vehicle's braking capacity
will most certainly exceed the friction between the scooter's wheels and the
floor of the van.  Unless the scooter is securely fastened to a heavy-duty
locking mechanism designed for the weight and installed in a manner that
will reduce flexing (remember, metal fatigue has brought down some mighty
structures), you should consider it a loose cannon on deck.  Even a sharp
turn at 25 mph can tip one over if it's not secured.

> That means the scooter has to be locked down
> somehow.  The securing straps are too difficult
> for Dad to use, but I am reluctant to remove
> them because there might come a time when
> the situation changes and he's no longer a driver
> but a passenger.
>
> I'm not as worried about the scooter becoming
> a missile since watching a recent episode of
> "Myth Busters" on the Discovery Channel.
> They did an entire show on what types of
> objects could become lethal missiles in a high
> speed crash.

Let's assume the scooter weights at least 60 lbs.  If the car is traveling
35 mph and it makes an abrupt stop, say mid-way through a brick wall, the
scooter will continue traveling at just under 35 mph until it reaches a
point just forward of where the dashboard used to be.

> ...Another option might be to install guide bars
> on the floor similar to those found in automatic
> carwashes where it's important to line the vehicle
> up exactly.

That's pretty much what I was getting at earlier in this post.

--

Regards,
Robert L Bass

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