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Static, Impact, and Fatigue Testing of Five Different Types of Electric Powered Wheelchairs
Megan Vitek, B.S.E., Rory Cooper, Ph.D., Andrew Rentschler, B.S., David Algood, B.S., William Ammer, B.S., Erik Wolf, B.S.
Department of Rehabilitation Science and Technologies
University of Pittsburgh
Human Engineering Research Laboratories
Pittsburgh Healthcare System
Slide 1
Static, Impact, and Fatigue Testing of Five Different Types of Electric Powered Wheelchairs
Megan Vitek, B.S.E., Rory Cooper, Ph.D., Andrew Rentschler, B.S., David Algood, B.S., William Ammer, B.S., Erik Wolf, B.S.
Department of Rehabilitation Science and Technologies
University of Pittsburgh
Human Engineering Research Laboratories
Pittsburgh Healthcare System
Slide 2
Background
Powered wheelchairs require dependability.
American National Standards (ANSI) and RESNA developed wheelchair standards.
Test for performance, safety, and dimensions.
Testing and passing of the standards is optional.
Powered wheelchairs must be reliable
Powered wheelchairs are typically used all hours of the day, every day of the year
A broken wheelchair can leave a user stranded for long periods of time while the wheelchair is being repaired.
ANSI/RESNA have developed 18 standards
Slide 3
Background
Limited published data on results of the 18 standards.
Section 8: Static, Impact, and Fatigue Testing
Tests for durability during typical use.
Limited wheelchair comparison data on results of the standards is available
Section 8 is one of the standards, called static, impact, and fatigue testing
Static Test: involves applying a static force
Slide 4
Research Question
Is there a difference in the results of the static, impact, and fatigue strength testing between five types of power wheelchairs?
Slide 5
Static Tests
Graphic description:
Slide 6
Impact Tests
Graphic description:
Slide 7
Fatigue Tests
Must complete 200,000 cycles without failure to pass this test.
Graphic description:
Slide 8
Fatigue Tests
Must complete 6,666 cycles without a failure to pass this test.
Graphic description:
Slide 9
Methods
Three wheelchairs of each type were tested.
Invacare Action Arrow Storm
Sunrise Medical Quickie P200
Everest & Jennings Lancer 2000
Permobil Chairman
Pride Healthcare Jazzy 1100
Tested for static, impact, and fatigue testing according to the ANSI/RESNA Standards
(Section 8).
These wheelchairs were purchased without the manufacturer’s knowledge.
A 100 kg dummy was used when required.
All wheelchairs were tested for static, impact, and fatigue testing according to the ANSI/RESNA Standards (Section 8).
100 kg dummy was used when required.
Failure of a test involved permanent damage, deformation, or an inability to operate the wheelchair.
Slide 10
Failure of Test
Permanent damage,
Plastic Deformation, or
Inability to operate the wheelchair.
Slide 11
Results of Static Tests for Invacare
Graphic description:
Slide 12
Results of Static Tests for Quickie P200
Graphic description:
Slide 13
Sunrise Medical Quickie P200
Graphic description:
Slide 14
Results of Static Tests for Everest & Jennings
Graphic description:
Slide 15
Everest & Jennings Lancer 2000
Typical lat/long impact and up/down footrest test failure
Graphic description:
Slide 16
Improvements in Footrest Design
Graphic description:
Slide 17
Everest & Jennings Lancer 2000
Motor/gearbox failed the Double Drum test after 23,712 out of 200,000 cycles
Graphic description:
Slide 18
Results of Static Tests for Permobil
Graphic description:
Slide 19
Permobil Chairman
2/3 Permobil wheelchairs failed the Curb Drop Test.
Graphic description:
Slide 20
Permobil Chairman
Graphic description:
Slide 21
Results of Static Tests for Pride Healthcare Jazzy 1100
Graphic description:
Slide 22
Discussion
Design evaluations need to be made on:
The locking mechanism on Quickie armrests
The footrests on Everest & Jennings (already done)
The motor/gearbox on Everest & Jennings
The electric connectors on Permobil
Stronger and more durable wheelchairs tend to be more cost-effective and reliable.
Slide 23
Acknowledgements
Paralyzed Veterans American
National Institute on Disability & Rehabilitation Research
Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center
Slide 24
Questions
Slide 25
Definition of Failure of Tests
Handgrips become displaced.
Any adjustable component becomes displaced.
All removable, folding, or adjustable parts are operable.
Any part deforms or free plays, so that it adversely affects function of wheelchair.
Slide 26
Definition of Failure of Tests
A nut, bolt, etc. detaches after being tightened, adjusted, or refitted once.
An electrical connector displaces or disconnects.
Removable, folding, or adjustable parts are no longer operable.
Power operated systems do not operate normally.
The End
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Updated: February 28, 2002
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