Wheelchair Caster Loading During Frontal Motor Vehicle Impact
By van Roosmalen, Linda, PhD; Bertocci, Gina E., PhD; RESNA 26th International Annual Conference 2003,Publication Date: 2003
Study conducted to determine wheelchair caster loading during frontal impact testing. Additionally, the effect of rear securement point location and wheelchair seat system performance on caster loading was evaluated. Eight frontal sled impact tests were run using a surrogate wheelchair base and a Hybrid III anthropomorphic test dummy. The surrogate wheelchair base was a rigid powered wheelchair base designed for repeated sled impact testing to evaluate wheelchair seating systems. Eight commercially-available seating systems were utilized: (1) the Personal Back from Invacare, (2) the QualCare Seat from AliMed, (3) the Jay 2 Deep Contoured Back, (4) the Jay 270 Seat, (5) the P2Plus Sling Seat from E&J, (6) the P2Plus Sling Back from E&J, (7) the Jay Fit Back, and (8) the Jay Fit Seat. Two tri-axial load cells per caster wheel were positioned on the sled platform under the front caster wheels. Peak caster loads were seen in impact scenarios where the wheelchair was secured high above the floor, and where the seat and back failed during the test. In the cases where no seat failure occurred, low rear securement points led to the highest caster loading. The authors contend that the preliminary study shows that seating system integrity and rear securement position can affect caster loading. Caster load magnitudes and patterns obtained from the study may guide manufacturers of caster assemblies in the design of crashworthy products. Implications for further research are discussed.
Assistive Products Discussed: INVACARE PERSONAL BACK & PERSONAL BACK PLUS
J2 DEEP CONTOUR CUSHION
JAY ADJUSTABLE SOLID SEAT
Published by: Rehabilitation Engineering & Assistive Technology Society of North America (RESNA) (Website:http://www.resna.org)
