Frontal impact absorbing systems in wheelchairs like sheet metal hood in vehicles

Abstract

Deformation of frames under impact loading could result in serious injuries. For impact simulations, wheelchair frames were revealed by LSDYNA. The analyses were processed and compared with plain (unloaded) chassis and loaded (human and equipment masses added) chassis. Then the chassis was strengthened by adding cross members and w shaped shock absorbers. This modified system was analyzed for more realistic loaded chassis. During the modified chassis simulations, three different materials were used for w shaped sheet metals and chassis. The analyses results showed that the wheelchair made of A1010 carbon steel has better absorbing ability than the other materials. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.