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Wheelchair integrated occupant restraints: feasibility in frontal impact
L VanRoosmalen1, G E Bertocci, D Ha
1Department of Rehabilitation Science and Technology, Injury Risk Assessment and Prevention Laboratory, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA. lvanroos@pitt.edu
Medical Engineering & Physics
|January 22, 2002
Summary
A new wheelchair integrated restraint system (WIRS) concept shows feasibility for improving motor vehicle safety. This system may offer better protection and comfort for wheelchair occupants compared to current fixed vehicle-mounted wheelchair occupant restraint systems (FWORSs).
Area of Science:
- Biomechanical Engineering
- Automotive Safety
- Rehabilitation Engineering
Background:
- Wheelchairs are frequently used as motor vehicle seats, but current restraint systems (FWORSs) often provide poor belt fit, discomfort, and low usage rates.
- Automotive industry advancements show integrated restraints in vehicle seats improve occupant protection and restraint usage.
- There is a need for improved restraint systems to enhance safety and comfort for wheelchair users during motor vehicle transport.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the occupant injury measures of a novel wheelchair integrated restraint system (WIRS) against a traditional fixed vehicle-mounted wheelchair occupant restraint system (FWORS).
- To evaluate the feasibility of the WIRS concept for enhancing wheelchair occupant safety and comfort in motor vehicles.
Main Methods:
- A 20g frontal sled impact test was conducted simulating a 30 mph change in velocity.
- Injury measures including neck loads, moments, head/pelvis/chest acceleration, sternum compression, and knee/head excursion were recorded using a 50th percentile male Hybrid III anthropomorphic test dummy (ATD).
- Data was analyzed against General Motors Injury Assessment Reference Values (GM-IARVs) and SAE J2249 standards.
Main Results:
- The WIRS demonstrated lower Head Injury Criteria (HIC) values, reduced sternum compression, and lower upper-torso restraint loads compared to the FWORS.
- The WIRS exhibited increased head, knee, and wheelchair excursions, along with higher neck loads and moments than the FWORS.
- Both systems met established occupant injury criteria, with comparable combined injury indices but a higher motion criteria index for the WIRS.
Conclusions:
- The sled impact test validates the feasibility of the wheelchair integrated restraint system (WIRS) concept.
- The WIRS shows potential for improving wheelchair occupant safety and comfort during motor vehicle transport.
- Further development by industrial manufacturers is encouraged to advance this restraint principle for enhanced user protection.
