Six dynamic impact tests were conducted on the UMTRI rebound sled facility to evaluate the effectiveness of three wheelchair tie-down systems intended for use by wheelchair seated drivers of vans. The three systems tested were developed by Creative Controls, Inc., Target Industries ("Speedlock" tie-down), and Intex Northeast, Inc. (formerly "The Claw" by Falcon Equipment Specialties). The tests were performed at nominal impact conditions of a 30-mph velocity differential at an average deceleration of 20 g's, using an instrumented 50th-percentile male dummy seated in an E&J power wheelchair. Occupant restraint included a lap belt attached to the wheelchair or tie-down hardware on the wheelchair and a shoulder belt or shoulder/lap belt combination attached to the vehicle (i.e., the sled). One test was performed on the Intex tie-down system, two on the Target system, and three on the Creative Controls system. The final test of each demonstrated effective wheelchair securement for the test conditions.
Abstract