Experimental Study of the Influence of Using Polyurethane Cushion to Reduce Vibration Received by a Wheelchair User

Acta of Bioengineering and Biomechanics

article

G.Chwalik-Pilszyk¹  Z.Dziechciowski²  M.Kromka-Szydek¹  M.S.KozieĹ¹ 

[1] Cracow University of Technology, Department of Applied Mechanics and Biomechanics, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering;Cracow University of Technology, Laboratory of Techno-Climatic Research and Heavy Duty Machines, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering

关键词: wheelchair;    whole-body vibration;    cushion;   

DOI  :  10.37190/ ABB-02223-2023-03

学科分类：生物科学（综合）

来源: Politechnika Wroclawska

【 摘 要 】

Purpose: Experimental studies on comparing the ability of polyurethane cushions of threearbitrary selected thicknesses to minimize vibrations transmitted from the wheelchair to itsuser. Methods: Measurements were made during passive motion on five different surfacesoften found in public spaces. Two tests were carried out during the measurements. In the firsttest, the sensor was located directly on the surface of the wheelchair seat. In the second test, apolyurethane cushion was placed on the seat, on which the measuring sensor was then placed.Results: The study showed that regardless of the surface on which the wheelchair user moves,the threshold defined in the ISO standard for frequencies in the range from 4 to 40 Hz isexceeded. However, thanks to the use of polyurethane cushions, vibration damping is visiblefor frequencies ranging from 10 to 40 Hz. The impact of the user’s weight on the magnitudeof the perceived vibrations was also observed.Conclusions: Studies show that wheelchair users are exposed to whole body vibration that cannegatively affect their health. Cushions made of polyurethane seem to be a promising solutionto reduce whole body vibration in the frequency range that is burdensome and harmful tohuman health.

【 授权许可】

Unknown