Design of a Test Method to Evaluate the Forward Facing Wheelchair Containment and Occupant Retention System Subjected to Low G Accelerations
By Krishnan, Loshna; Porach, Erik; RESNA 2010 Student Design Competition,Publication Date: May 13, 2010
Study developed a test method capable of replicating real world scenarios for a for a low g environment for the purpose of evaluating forward facing wheelchair containment and occupant retention systems (FF-WCORS) in large accessible transit vehicles (LATVs). Based on literature reviews, the rotational acceleration disc was found to be the best representative of the real world scenario and selected as the test method to investigate unsecured wheelchair dynamics subjected to low g accelerations. The system developed consists of a beam, rotary table, drive motor, and support surface which effectively rotate a wheelchair, creating a centripetal force similar to forces measured during real world LATV turning, braking, and accelerating. A manual wheelchair occupied by a Hybrid II anthropomorphic test dummy (ATD) was used for evaluation. To control and observe the acceleration of the prototype system during testing, a laptop connected to the accelerometer was placed on the support surface and was controlled via remote desktop. The prototype developed was capable of replicating and simulating real world accelerations, braking, and turning scenarios. The dynamics of an unsecured wheelchair was determined using the system. When compared to data from in-vehicle testing, it was found that dynamics of the three scenarios occurred at ranges lower than 0.75 gs. The testing device was developed by engineering students at the University of Pittsburgh and entered in the RESNA 2010 Student Design Competition.
Published by: Rehabilitation Engineering & Assistive Technology Society of North America (RESNA) (Website:http://www.resna.org)
Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center on Communication Enhancement (AAC-RERC) (Web Site: http://www.aac-rerc.com )
Link to text: http://aac-rerc.psu.edu/wordpressmu/RESNA-SDC/2010/05/13/design-of-a-test-method-to-evaluate-the-forward-facing-wheelchair-containment-and-occupant-retention-system-subjected-to-low-g-accelerations-university-of-pittsburgh/
