As part of a project to develop side impact test procedures for evaluating wheelchairs, wheelchair tiedowns and occupant restraint systems (WTORS), and vehicle-based occupant protection systems for wheelchair seating stations, we created validated finite element (FE) models to support procedure development. Models were constructed using LS-DYNA. Dynamic sled tests were performed to validate the FE models of surrogate fixtures and commercial hardware. Validated FE models were developed for the Surrogate wheelchair base (SWCB), Surrogate wheelchair for side impact (SWCSI), a manual wheelchair (Ki Mobility Catalyst 5), and a power wheelchair (Quantum Rehab Edge 2.0). Additional FE models of a heavy-duty anchor meeting the Universal Docking Interface Geometry (UDIG), surrogate four-point strap tiedowns (SWTORS), a traditional docking station, and the surrogate wall fixture were also developed.
This dataset allows comparison of the different strategies implemented by vehicle manufacturers being used to communicate with drivers. Spreadsheets were created in MS Excel to summarize data for each vehicle, and include page numbers in each vehicle owner's manual for reference. The photos taken of each vehicle control panel allow detailed inspection of the displays and controls.
