Comprehensive Analysis of Power Wheelchairs and Relevant ISO Standards

This report provides an overview of power wheelchairs, focusing on the relevant International Organization for Standardization (ISO) standards that define their design, performance, and safety. It delves into specific standards, including ISO 7176, which addresses dimensions, energy consumption, speed, and braking effectiveness; ISO 16840, which covers mechanical and physical features related to seat cushioning and posture support; ISO 10542, which deals with error correction and assistive technology integration; and ISO 10865, which concerns occupant containment and retention. The report explains how these standards contribute to the development of safer and more effective power wheelchairs, considering factors such as static and dynamic stability, obstacle climbing ability, and electromagnetic compatibility. It also highlights the ongoing process of updating these standards to meet evolving environmental and user needs, referencing several studies and publications related to wheelchair technology and assistive devices.

Power wheeled chairs
Power wheeled chairs is a medical device used by an individual suffering from illnesses,
disability or injury. Power wheeled chairs are propelled by means of automated operative
systems and it is more advanced than normal wheeled chairs which require manual approach
to mobilize the wheels. The features of power wheeled chairs are defined by International
Standard Organization(ISO).The parts of power wheeled chairs are standardized by specific
number and each of them have its own function and importance. Each ISO standard
represents functioning of power wheeled chair and some of the standards that are associated
with power wheeled chair are discussed as follows. IISO standards that are associated with
power wheeled chairs include ISO 7176,ISO 16840,ISO 10542 and ISO 10865.
ISO 7176 standard with reference to powered wheel chairs focus on dimensions,
consumption of energy, speed, mass, influence of acceleration, strength of fatigue, brake
effectiveness and controlling procedures. ISO 7176 standard is prepared for people suffering
from disability such as visual impairment and also assist people with pedestrian crossing. It is
mainly associated with assisting products for people suffering from disability. It also
determines the ability of obstacle climbing with reference to power wheeled chairs and
several institutes with ISO are managing the operations. ISO 7176 standard procedures
include coefficient friction of test surfaces was determined, model tests were conducted,
control and power systems of powered wheel chairs including test procedures and
requirements, seats for vehicles, static stability determination, chargers and batteries,
consumption of energy associate with powered wheel chairs ,tests conducted for powered
wheel chairs considering climate, determination of dimensions of wheel and seat
measurement.
ISO 7176 helps to identify suitable wheelchair for climbing obstacles and also access safety
related concerns. The static stability of powered wheel chairs describes the angle tipping
either with or no brakes and are loaded with model. Tipping in different directions can be
determined and consumer can make a choice based on values recorded. The testing
procedures and requirements for compatible electromagnetic property of battery chargers
that are used for powered wheel chairs were specified. It also specified the dynamic stability
of wheel chairs that are operated using power source and run at greater speeds. The speed
levels are determined based on surface loaded with model and consistent performance of
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wheelchair are indicated. However too much speeds levels have an impact on individual
using wheelchair and also concerns regarding stability. The standard is applicable to perform
various tests that promised safe electricity and performance is under control and also free
from access to unsafe areas. Some of the principles associated with this standard are still in
development and they are control and power with regard to powered wheelchairs and burning
property of wheelchair. ISO 7176 determines the characteristics such as ignitability of an
wheelchair and also ensures appropriate dimensions and designing of powered wheelchairs
considering environment.
ISO 16840 standards is used to determine the mechanical and physical features of equipment
that are used to integrity management and also related with seat cushioning. It describes
about support for posture and its influences that are characterized by repetitive and static load
strengths of wheel chair. The properties associated with cushion are simulated and
determined. Methods that provide support and resistance with reference to cushions that are
used for back support and also ignition resistance is provided for seat that is not integrated. It
is mainly integrated with seating position of wheel chairs and type of system is monitored
that is used for powered chairs. Heat generated from cushion and water vapour were tested
and determine features of cushions that manage tissue integrity.
ISO 10542 standard is related with pointing out an error and doing necessary corrections with
reference to power wheeled chairs. It provides aid to people with disabilities by integrating
technical aspects and are supported to wheel chair system. Restraint methods were provided
for the occupant while using powered wheel chair.
ISO 10865 is associated with containment and retention of occupant in wheelchair systems
and are easily accessible for transportation which are designed for all kinds of individuals
either in standing or sitting position. It specifies about the facing front and backward systems
related with wheel chair seating posture.
All these standards are considered applicable for both indoor and outdoor mobility of
powered wheel chairs. ISO standards The process of development and updating the standards
is long process and requires active participation of committee members from different
organizations across the globe and should update according to the changes in climate and
environmental conditions. It helps to increase the performance and durability of medical
device like powered wheelchairs and also as a user can gain new knowledge with regard to
product.
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References
 Arva, J., Paleg, G., Lange, M., Lieberman, J., Schmeler, M., Dicianno, B.,Rosen, L. (
2009). RESNA position on the application of wheelchair standing devices. Assistive
Technology, 21, 161–168.
 Bertocci, E., & Hobson, D. (2009). State of the science workshop on wheelchair
transportation safety. Assistive Technology, 21, 115–160.
 Ding, D., & Cooper, R. A. (2005). Electric powered wheelchairs. IEEE Control
Systems Magazine, 25, 22–34.
 Fadlallah, O., & Goher, M. (2013). Modelling and control of a leg rehabilitation
system for a reconfigurable wheelchair. Proceedings of the 2013 IEEE International
Conference on Control System, Computing and Engineering (ICCSCE2013) , 162–
167.
 Leishman, F., Horn, O., & Bourhis, G. (2010). Smart wheelchair control through a
deictic approach. Robotics and Autonomous Systems, 58, 1149–1158.
 Lopes, A. C., Pires, G., & Nunes, U. (2013). Assisted navigation for a brain-actuated
intelligent wheelchair. Robotics and Autonomous Systems, 61, 245–258.10.
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