Deployable Vehicle Interface Mechanism (DVIM)

Wheelchair users in the United States experience significant barriers to safe transportation in private and public vehicles. Vehicle wheelchair restraints need to provide secure connection of the wheelchair into the vehicle and survive potential crash loads. The current practices for wheelchair users when operating or riding in a vehicle are either to transfer from their wheelchair to a seat in the vehicle, or to restrain the wheelchair within the vehicle using a three- or four-point tiedown system. Both options are time-consuming, often requiring assistance from others. To address this need, Physical Sciences Inc. (PSI) is developing the Deployable Vehicle Interface Mechanism (DVIM). The DVIM adapter attaches to the rear of a wheelchair and provides docking geometry for an anchoring system to attach to. The DVIM system is designed to be lightweight while still being strong enough to withstand 30 mph, 20g frontal impacts in accordance with ANSI/RESNA WC-4 Section 19 (WC19) regulating the use of wheelchairs as seats in motor vehicles, and 13 mph, 10g side impacts. The deployable nature of the DVIM enables the user to stow the adapter when not in use, further reducing the impact of the system on wheelchair feel and function.