Development and validation of a frontal impact 6-year-old occupant and wheelchair computer model

Area of Science:

• Biomechanical Engineering
• Rehabilitation Engineering
• Automotive Safety

Background:

• Children with disabilities often use wheelchairs as vehicle seats during travel.
• Limited research exists on the safety of pediatric wheelchair users in transit.
• Ensuring safe transportation for this population is a critical public health concern.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate a computer model of a pediatric wheelchair and occupant for frontal crash simulations.
• To assess the accuracy of the model by comparing its predictions to sled test data.
• To establish a foundation for future research on injury risks associated with pediatric wheelchair use in vehicles.

Main Methods:

• A MADYMO computer model was created for a manual pediatric wheelchair with a Hybrid III 6-year-old anthropomorphic test device.
• The wheelchair was secured using a 4-point tiedown system, and the occupant was restrained with a 3-point belt.
• Model time history profiles were tuned to sled test data, and key variables were compared using Pearson's correlation coefficients.

Main Results:

• The computer model demonstrated high correlations (average r = 0.91, range 0.86-0.95) with sled test results across all variables.
• Peak values for key variables showed good agreement between the model and experimental data.
• The validated model accurately represents the dynamic response of a pediatric wheelchair in a frontal impact scenario.

Conclusions:

• The developed pediatric wheelchair model is a reliable tool for simulating frontal crash impacts.
• This validated model provides a crucial foundation for investigating injury risks in pediatric wheelchair users during vehicle transport.
• Further research using this model can inform safety guidelines and improve transportation safety for children with disabilities.