Development of Side Impact Test Procedures for Improved Wheelchair Transportation Safety

Abstract

This report presents the development of side impact test procedures for evaluating wheelchairs, wheelchair tiedowns and occupant restraint systems (WTORS), and vehicle-based occupant protection systems for wheelchair seating stations. Background includes review of existing relevant voluntary standards and past research. The method for developing elements of the testing procedure includes analysis to develop a relevant crash pulse, placement of the wheelchair station relative to simulated vehicle interior, seatbelt conditions, and appropriately simulated vehicle intrusion. Sled tests were performed to validate surrogate fixtures and commercial hardware being used to develop finite element (FE) models that can demonstrate the procedure. Additional tests were performed to determine how to adapt the Surrogate Wheelchair Base (SWCB) for use as a Surrogate Wheelchair for Side Impact (SWCSI), as well as to evaluate proposed performance criteria for wheelchairs and WTORS in side impact. Validated FE models were developed for the SWCB, 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. Comparisons of sled tests and FE models show acceptable validation results. The proposed wheelchair side impact test procedure includes separate sections for testing wheelchairs, WTORS, and vehicle-based occupant protection systems. Detailed procedures and exemplary testing results are documented in this report.