Mechanism for loading wheelchairs in the car – a review of technical solutions and a new concept
[ 1 ] Wydział Inżynierii Mechanicznej, Politechnika Poznańska | [ 2 ] Instytut Konstrukcji Maszyn, Wydział Inżynierii Mechanicznej, Politechnika Poznańska | [ S ] student | [ P ] employee
2023
scientific article
english
- handicapped cars
- drivers with lower extremity mobility disabilities
- wheelchair
- transportation of the disabled
- mobility-enhancing structures
EN One of the main difficulties for wheelchair users is the change of transportation mode, such as from a wheelchair to a car, and especially the subsequent loading the wheelchair to or unloading from the car. The rapid development of mechanics and mechatronics in numerous industries is also being recognised in the transportation industry dedicated for people with motor disabilities. The article presents an overview of solutions to assist in loading or unloading a wheelchair from a car. The latest solutions available on the market and among those under patent protection were demonstrated. Prominent structures include lifts and cranes. The available solutions may differ in terms of: the level of muscle power use, the energy intensity of the loading process, the occupied space in the car, the convenience of loading and unloading, the need for third-party assistance, versatility in mounting to the car, purchase cost, weight, etc. The aim of the review presented here is to raise awareness in terms of choosing a device that assists in loading a wheelchair to and unloading from a car.
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