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Influence of Wheelchair Front Caster Wheel on Reverse Directional Stability

By Guo, Songfeng, PhD; Cooper, Rory A., PhD; Corfman, Tom, MS; Ding, Dan, PhD; Grindle, Garrett; Assistive Technology, Vol. 15, No. 2, pp. 98-104
Publication Date: Winter 2003

Study conducted to research directional stability while driving rear-wheel drive, electric-powered wheelchairs (EPW) in reverse under different initial front caster orientations. Specifically, the weight distribution differences caused by certain initial caster orientations were examined as a possible mechanism for causing directional instability that could lead to accidents. Three rear-wheel-drive EPWs were investigated in the study based on their availability and popularity among people who use wheelchairs: (1) the Quickie P100 and (2) the Quickie P200, both from Sunrise Medical Corporation; and (3) the Invacare Arrow from Invacare. Directional stability was determined by measuring the drive direction error of the EPW by a motion analysis system based on an OPTOTRAK three-dimensional camera system from Northern Digital, and two AMTI force platforms from Advanced Medical Technologies. The ground reaction forces were collected to determine the load on the front casters. The drive direction error was found to be different for various initial caster orientations. Drive direction error was found to be greatest when both casters were oriented 90 degrees to the left or right, and least when both casters were oriented forward. The results show that drive direction error corresponds to the loading difference on the casters. The data indicates that loading differences may cause asymmetrical drag on the casters, which in turn causes unbalanced torque load on the motors. This leads to a difference in motor speed and drive direction error. Implications for further research are discussed.

Assistive Products Discussed: QUICKIE P100 AND QUICKIE P110
QUICKIE P200
3G ARROW REAR WHEEL DRIVE POWER WHEELCHAIR WITH TRUETRACK
AMTI MULTIAXIS FORCE PLATFORM (MODEL OR6-7)
AMTI MULTIAXIS FORCE PLATFORM (MODEL BP400600)
Published by: Rehabilitation Engineering & Assistive Technology Society of North America (RESNA)   (Website:http://www.resna.org)

This publication is included in the library of the National Rehabilitation Information Center (NARIC), accession number J47474
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