Browse Topic: Vehicle accessibility

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The Ingress and Egress Strategies of Wheelchair Users Transferring Into and Out of Two Sedans2018-01-13214/3/2018
The ability to independently transfer into and out of a vehicle is essential for many wheelchair users to achieve driving independence. The purpose of the current study is to build upon the previous exploratory study that investigated the transfer strategies of wheelchair users by observing YouTube videos. This observational study videotaped five wheelchair users transferring from their wheelchairs into two research vehicles, a small and mid-size sedan that were equipped with a 50mm grid. The goal of this study was to use these videos and vehicle grids to precisely identify ingress and egress motions as well as “touch points” in a controlled setting with a small sample of five male wheelchair users. Using the videos from multiple different camera perspectives, the participants’ ingress and egress transfers were coded, documenting the touch points and step-by-step action sequences. The locations of touch points and lines representing the participant’s actions were plotted in a CAD model of each vehicle. Results indicate that drivers tend to transfer using one of two primary techniques, hand-first or foot-first, and that clusters of touch points are found primarily on the driver’s seat and the steering wheel of the vehicle. The strategies used and touch point locations for ingress and egress were very similar between participants; however, fewer drivers used the steering wheel for egress transfers than for ingress transfers. This observational study is the next step to identify specific touch points and precise strategies of drivers when transferring from their own wheelchair into the driver’s seats of two sedans and vice versa.
Schaupp, GregoryBrooks, Johnell O.Jenkins, CaseySeeanner, JuliaTruesdail, Constance
Wheelchair Users’ Ingress/Egress Strategies While Transferring Into and Out of a Vehicle2016-01-14334/5/2016
The ability to independently transfer into and out of a vehicle is essential for many wheelchair users to achieve driving independence. This paper presents the results of an exploratory study that investigated the transfer strategies of wheelchair users who drive from their driver’s seat and not from their wheelchair. The goal of this study was to identify typical ingress and egress motions as well as “touch points” of wheelchair users transferring into and out of the driver’s seat. While motion databases exist for the ingress and egress of able-bodied drivers, this study provides insight on drivers with physical disabilities. Twenty-five YouTube videos of wheelchair users who transferred into and out of their own sedans were analyzed. The locations where the drivers’ hands, feet, and hips interacted with the vehicle, as well as the actions of the drivers while transferring from their wheelchair into the driver’s seat and then transferring from the driver’s seat into their wheelchair were recorded. Action sequences and wheelchair and vehicle touch points were plotted in CAD. Results indicate that drivers tend to transfer using one of two primary techniques, hand-first or foot-first, and that clusters of touch points are mainly found on the driver’s seat and the steering wheel of the vehicle. The strategies used and touch point locations for ingress and egress were very similar. Knowledge gained in this study may impact future vehicle design, making vehicles easier to access for drivers with and without disabilities.
Schaupp, GregorySeeanner, JuliaJenkins, CaseyManganelli, JosephHennessy, SarahTruesdail, ConstanceSwift, LindsayVenhovens, PaulBrooks, Johnell
Driving systems for the handicapped have historically been bolt on hand devices aimed largely at the paraplegic. In recent years, attention has been given to systems which permit the more severely disabled to drive. These also have been bolt on devices to a large extent. This paper describes a systems approach based on an analysis of the residual effort levels and range of motion of the severely handicapped.
Scott, Charles M.
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