Driving Tests and Computer Simulations of Electric Wheelchairs on Snow-Covered Roads

概要

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Not only handicapped people but also elderly people living in Hokkaido, the northernmost island in Japan, desire to participate in outdoor activities during a winter season that is characterized by heavy snow and low temperatures.Most of these people venture outdoors to go shopping or to hospitals, even under severe conditions.A wheelchair is generally used for outdoor transport.There are, however, many problems with using a wheelchair during the winter ; roads covered with snow and ice are very slippery, casters are easily buried in snow, and handrims are too cold to handle.Therefore, an appropriate wheelchair for outdoor use during the winter season is greatly desired.We are developing an electric wheelchair effective for outdoor use during the winter.In this work, three types of electric wheelchairs with front-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive and front free casters, and rear-wheel drive and mechanically controlled casters, were tested for drivability on icy roads, snow-covered roads, and indoor floors.In addition, computational methods were proposed to simulate the drivability of electric wheelchairs under snowy conditions.
一般社団法人日本機械学会の論文
1998-03-15