FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — Q’Straint has announced the introduction of Quantum, the transportation industry’s first fully automatic rear-facing wheelchair securement station designed for virtually any bus or rail car.
The revolutionary new product was developed by combining transportation insight, intelligent technology and a pioneering new approach to securement. After boarding a bus or rail car, Quantum allows wheelchair and scooter passengers to position their chair and by simply pushing a button to secure themselves in a stable and safe rear-facing position without driver assistance. The process takes under 25 seconds.
“In addition to ensuring the highest level of passenger safety, keeping buses on schedule and preventing tip-overs, Quantum provides a more respectful experience to the process of wheelchair securement,” said Bob Joseph, Q’Straint VP of Business Development. “Now safe securement and release is fully automated.”
In the past, drivers would take additional time to affix straps to harness the chair, potentially invading the passenger’s personal space. With Quantum, all passengers are treated equally. Wheelchair users have the freedom to board the vehicle and automatically secure their mobility device without assistance. With the push of a button, Quantum’s arms move into position and secure wheelchairs and scooters by capturing the wheels – and then continually adjusts grip as needed throughout the journey.
“One of our goals is ensuring the integration of people with disabilities into society — and transportation is a key enabler,” said Jim Franklin, an advocate with the Action Committee of People with disAbilities. “No one enjoys being singled out when a driver must come back and secure a wheelchair because it always takes time. People with disabilities just want to get on the bus and go.”
How Quantum Works
Q’Straint engineers applied the highest levels of industrial design to ensure Quantum delivers the performance to keep passengers safe and operators productive. When the vehicle is safely stopped, the Quantum unit is ready for the wheelchair passenger. Once the passenger’s wheelchair is centered against the backrest, the press of a button engages the automatic locking sequence. Integration with existing vehicle electrical and interlock systems prevents accidental release of a secured wheelchair while the vehicle is in motion. Quantum is being introduced after one year of extensive field tests in severe driving conditions.
Operators will benefit immediately and profoundly with reduced dwell time when securing passengers in mobility devices which will result in more reliable schedules. More evolved than manual tie-downs, Quantum puts an end to challenging securement maneuvers that upset passengers and put drivers at risk of personal injury. By safely securing wheelchairs and scooters, Quantum ultimately reduces liability exposure for injuries to mobility passengers as well as to seated or standing commuters who could be injured by unsecured mobility devices.
About Q’Straint
For over 25 years, Q’Straint has remained focused on one mission: To develop the most innovative solutions that advance the safety and effectiveness of wheelchair passenger travel. Our reputation as a global leader is the result of making transportation safety and customer needs the highest priority. We are committed to continued product leadership and innovation; we have the most exhaustive and comprehensive research and testing programs; and for more than two decades have played a key role in developing regional and international safety standards.
