Development of transportable wheelchair design criteria using computer crash simulation

Area of Science:

• Biomechanics
• Rehabilitation Engineering
• Transportation Safety

Background:

• The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) has increased the number of travelers using wheelchairs for mobility.
• Many disabled travelers cannot transfer to vehicle seats and must remain in their wheelchairs during transport.
• Current standards are being developed by ANSI/RESNA for transportable wheelchairs, necessitating research into design requirements for crash safety.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the loads imposed on wheelchairs during a simulated frontal crash.
• To provide guidance for wheelchair manufacturers designing transportable wheelchairs.
• To ensure the safety of wheelchair users during vehicle transport.

Main Methods:

• Mathematical crash simulations were used to model a 48 kph/20 g frontal crash.
• A four-point belt tiedown system was simulated to secure a power wheelchair.
• Loads on securement points, seat, lap belt anchor, and wheels were analyzed across three securement configurations.

Main Results:

• The study identified critical load parameters for wheelchair components under crash conditions.
• Positioning rear securement points near the wheelchair's center of gravity effectively managed crash response and loadings.
• Preliminary force ranges for a 50th percentile male using a simulated power wheelchair were determined.

Conclusions:

• Understanding crash dynamics is crucial for designing safe, transportable wheelchairs.
• Strategic placement of securement points, particularly rear anchors, significantly impacts wheelchair stability and user safety during transport.
• The study provides essential data for developing design criteria for transportable wheelchairs.