Dynamic Model for Validation of a Modified Hybrid III ATD as a Test Surrogate in Wheelchair Research
By Dvorznak, M.J.; Cooper, R.A.; RESNA 26th International Annual Conference 2003,Publication Date: 2003
Study conducted to develop and validate a low speed, low impact test dummy for the study of the prevention of tips and falls from wheelchairs. A dynamic model was developed to determine if the test dummy was a suitable surrogate. A Hybrid III anthropomorphic test dummy was modified to emulate a person with a spinal cord injury. Test cases were seated in a Quickie P100 powered wheelchair. One test operator drove the P100 at three speeds (0.8, 1.4, and 2.0 meters per second), while three braking conditions (joystick release, joystick full reverse, and power off) were used to slow the wheelchair to a stop. Motions of the wheelchair and the occupant were collected using an OPTOTRAK 3020 motion analysis system. Anthropometric features such as mass, inertia, and height can attribute for differences in motion. A model based on the physical laws of nature that accounted for systems parameters was developed. A classical cart with an inverted pendulum was modeled for the wheelchair/occupant system. Estimated values of the damping and stiffness coefficients for the Hybrid II and the test pilot were evaluated, and were found to be statistically similar. This indicates that the modified Hybrid III is a suitable model test dummy for wheelchair studies. The authors contend that a test dummy proven to have similar kinematic responses can be used in wheelchair testing scenarios that are too dangerous to test or validate with actual human participants.
Assistive Products Discussed: QUICKIE P100 AND QUICKIE P110
Published by: Rehabilitation Engineering & Assistive Technology Society of North America (RESNA) (Website:http://www.resna.org)
