This study experimentally analyzed the structural response and load distribution of a surrogate wheelchair under the UN R80 sled impact condition, which simulates a 32 km/h frontal impact for large buses. For the test, a surrogate wheelchair defined i...
This study experimentally analyzed the structural response and load distribution of a surrogate wheelchair under the UN R80 sled impact condition, which simulates a 32 km/h frontal impact for large buses. For the test, a surrogate wheelchair defined in ISO 10542-1 was configured with a four-point Wheelchair WTORS and a three-point occupant restraint belt. A Hybrid III 50th percentile male ATD was seated in the wheelchair, and strain gauges were installed on eleven primary frame members to measure strain during an impact event. From the measured data, the time-dependent dynamic behavior and sectional loads of each frame member were analyzed across the defined impact stages. The axial, shear, and resultant section forces were calculated, and the maximum resulting force occurred at the lower part of the seat back frame when the ATD rebounded rearward and contacted the seat back after the frontal collision. The results of this study are expected to provide experimentally grounded input for establishing structural design and safety evaluation criteria for wheelchair seating systems in large vehicles, such as low-floor buses.