Impact Testing a Powered Wheelchair

An Invacare TDX SP powered wheelchair (Model No. 1141688) was impact tested to determine peak force measured at the front caster wheels. A calibrated 1,000lb Lebow 3132 force transducer was centered about the wheelchair, and an aluminum beam was used to enable independent caster impacts. A uni-axial accelerometer placed on the wheelchair was used to detect the discrete caster impacts. Data was gathered at 10,000Hz. A series of impacts were recorded at varying speeds up to approximately 2mph.

Parameters Measured:

  • Impact Force
  • Impact Speed
  • Time between Caster Impacts
  • Wheelchair approach using three video cameras