Redundancy is the ultimate reliability: A deep dive into Caruna’s seating system

Mobility isn’t just about moving from point A to B—it’s about certainty in the device’s functioning. When you rely on technology to assist with daily life, “good enough” doesn’t cut it. That is why we build our systems with layers of safety backups. In engineering, we call this redundancy; for our users, we call it peace of mind.

Here is a look at the “Plan B” (and Plan C) built into our flagship solutions.

1. The Caruna Swivel Seat: Dual-Layer Security

Our swivel seats are engineered to be as robust as the vehicle itself. We’ve split our safety protocols into two distinct categories to ensure that if one system faces a challenge, the other is already standing by.

Electronic & Mechanical Fail-Safes

• The Double-Lock System: Mechanical locks are our first line of defense. However, we supplement these with interior electrical solenoid-based locks. These hold the seat firmly in place during both front-back transitions and rotational movements. If the mechanical latch isn’t enough, the electronic system acts as an invisible anchor.

• Backup Control Modules: Every joystick is built for years of heavy use, but we know life happens. That’s why we include a supplementary controller module. If a joystick is damaged or fails, the secondary module ensures you aren’t left without a way to operate the seat.

• Mechanical Override: In the rare event of a total vehicle battery failure, we don’t want you stuck. Our seats feature a mechanical override, allowing you to manually return the seat to its driving position so the vehicle can be moved safely.

Structural Integrity

• Force Dissipation: We don’t just “bolt a seat down.” Caruna seats are secured at multiple mounting points. This distributes the force of a high-impact event across the mechanism and dissipates it directly into the vehicle’s Body in White (BIW) structure.

dissipation of forces through a seating mechanism and also the restraints help mitigate harmful injuries to the body during a high impact event

• Fire Safety: All internal wiring is fire-retardant covered, minimizing risks and ensuring the longevity of the electrical system under various environmental conditions.

picture on the various redundancies used in the auto swivel seat

2. Complete Mobility Solution: Safety Beyond the Seat

Our Complete Mobility Solution (CMS) takes safety a step further by integrating the wheelchair itself into the vehicle’s safety ecosystem.

The Intelligent Platform

• Plug-and-Play Reliability: The wheelchair control module utilizes airtight sockets. This prevents dust, moisture, or debris from interfering with the connection, ensuring consistent performance in all climates.

• The Docking Standard: Safety during transit is paramount. Our docking system uses a high-security combination of electronic solenoids and wheelchair brakes to lock the passenger securely in place, preventing any unwanted movement during sudden stops.

• Dampers with adjustable flow rate: We have an assortment of dampers for wheelchairs for the 3 types of vehicles widely in use: SUV, sedans and hatchbacks. They ensure that the transfer process is smooth for the passenger.

Adaptive Safety & Comfort

• Lateral Support: We prioritize passenger stability. By including specialized handrests, we provide essential lateral support for wheelchair users. We aim to match the ergonomics of the original vehicle; if the car has handrests, our goal is to ensure the passenger feels that same level of support and security inside.

side restraints using armrests in the wheelchair docking system

• Resilient Engineering: We use Aluminium frames because they offer a unique “memory.” In rare cases of extreme overload, these frames are designed to be resilient and can often be serviced back into their original alignment, maintaining structural safety without needing a total replacement.

• Future-Proofing: Safety also means being able to upgrade. Our platforms are modular, meaning you can add electric wheelchair motor upgrades to existing manual platforms later on, ensuring your equipment evolves with your needs without compromising the original safety foundations.

The Caruna Promise: We don’t just build seats; we build safety nets. Whether it’s a solenoid lock or a fire-retardant wire, every detail is designed to ensure that your journey is as safe as it is comfortable.

You may visit our Pondicherry facility and experience this first-hand.