Citation

Bertocci G, Ha DR, Deemer E, Karg P. Arch. Phys. Med. Rehabil. 2001; 82(4): 534-540.

Affiliation

Injury Risk Assessment and Prevention Laboratory, Department of Rehabilitation Science and Technology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA. ginaber@pitt.edu

Copyright

(Copyright © 2001, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

11295018

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the crashworthiness of commercially available hardware that attaches seat surfaces to the wheelchair frame. DESIGN: A low cost static crashworthiness test procedure that simulates a frontal impact motor vehicle crash. SETTING: Safety testing laboratory. SPECIMENS: Eleven unique sets of drop-hook hardware made of carbon steel (4), stainless steel (4), and aluminum (3). INTERVENTIONS: Replicated seat-loading conditions associated with a 20g/48 kph frontal impact. Test criterion for seat loading was 16,680 N (3750 lb). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Failure load and deflection of seat surface. RESULTS: None of the hardware sets tested met the crashworthiness test criterion. All failed at less than 50% of the load that seating hardware could be exposed to in a 20g/48 kph frontal impact. The primary failure mode was excessive deformation, leading to an unstable seat support surface. CONCLUSIONS: Results suggest that commercially available seating drop hooks may be unable to withstand loading associated with a frontal crash and may not be the best option for use with transport wheelchairs.