Mechanical Design for a Power Wheelchair with Self-Actuated Seating Functions Based on Ergonomics

Abstract:

Wheelchairs with posture change functions are required by clinicians to assist activities of daily living for handicapped people. In this paper, the mechanism of a wheelchair with self-actuated seating functions was designed and its degree of freedom was introduced. Link length was determined based on ergonomics and anthropometry to meet national standards. Kinematics simulation was carried out in MATLAB to investigate the working characteristics of the wheelchair and prove the feasibility of the scheme. Humanized design was explored which was based on ergonomics to satisfy the safety, comfort and efficiency.

• Periodical: Applied Mechanics and Materials (Volumes 275-277)
• Pages: 799-802
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.4028/www.scientific.net/AMM.275-277.799
• Online since: January 2013
• Authors: Fang Wang, Jian Guo Zhang
• Keywords: Ergonomics, Mechanical Design, Seating Functions, Wheelchair

References

[1] Trefler E, Schmeler M. State of the science white paper on seating for postural control[C]. In: Brubaker CE, Brienza, DM, editors. Proceedings of Wheelchair Seating: A State of theScience Conference on Seating Issues for Persons with Disabilities; 2001 Feb 19–20; Rehabilitation Engineering Center on Wheeled Mobility and the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Orlando, FL. Pittsburgh (PA): University of Pittsburgh; 2001. p.21.

DOI: 10.1887/0750303433/b276c9

[2] Sonenblum SE, Sprigle S, Maurer C. Monitoring power upright and tilt-in-space wheelchair use[C]. Poster session presented at: Proceedings of the Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America (RESNA) Conference; 2006 Jun 22–26; Atlanta, GA.

[3] Ding D, Leister E, Cooper RA, Cooper R, Kelleher A, Fitzgerald SG, Boninger M. Usage of tilt-in-space, recline, and elevation seating functions in natural environment of wheelchair users[J]. Journal of Rehabilitation Research & Development. 2008, 45(7): 973-984.

DOI: 10.1682/jrrd.2007.11.0178

[4] Aissaoui R, Lacoste M, Dansereau J. Analysis of sliding and pressure distribution during a repositioning of persons in a simulator chair [J]. IEEE Trans Neural Syst Rehabil Eng. 2001, 9(2): 215–24.

DOI: 10.1109/7333.928581

[5] Stinson M, Porter A, Eakin P. Measuring interface pressure: a laboratory-based investigation into the effects of repositioning and sitting [J]. Am J Occup Ther. 2002, 56(2): 185–90.

DOI: 10.5014/ajot.56.2.185

[6] Yi Ren, Jun-xia Zhang, Qiang xue, Jun Hu. Mechanism design and kinematics simulation of standable electric wheelchair[J]. Journal of machne design. 2009, 26(3): 43-45.

[7] Engström B. Ergonomic seating. A true challenge: seatingand mobility for the physically challenged: risks & possibilities when using wheelchairs. Värmdö (Sweden): Posturalis Books; 2002. p.40–43.

[8] Aissaoui R, Lacoste M, Dansereau J. Analysis of sliding and pressure distribution during a repositioning of persons in a simulator chair[J]. IEEE Trans Neural Syst Rehabil Eng. 2001, 9 (2): 215–24.

DOI: 10.1109/7333.928581

[9] Drerup, B., S. Kraneburg, and A. Koller. Visualisation of pressure dose: synopsis of peak pressure, mean pressure, loading time and pressure time-integral [J]. Clin. Biomech. 2001, 16: 833–834.

[10] Tsokos, M., A. Heinemann, and K. Puschel. Pressure sores: epidemiology, medico-legal implications and forensic argumentation concerning causality[J]. Int. J. Legal Med. 2000, 113: 283–287.

DOI: 10.1007/s004149900125