Résumé
Objective To develop a new quasi-zero stiffness isolator for the vibration isolation of the sick and wounded on the ambulance stretcher.Methods The isolator was designed and verified on the basis of the quasi-zero stiffness of slotted disk spring, vibration isolation design method with high static while low dynamic stiffness and co-laminated structure of the spring.Results The theoretical analyses and tests proved the force-displacement curves of the new quasi-zero stiffness isolator fit well. The frequency-weighted acceleration at the buttock and head under different speeds on the asphalt roads was less than 0.315 m/s2.Conclusion The new quasi-zero stiffness isolator developed behaves well in vibration isolation and comfortability for the ambulance stretcher sick and wounded.
Résumé
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>Clarify the relation between the complaints of wheelchair users and the vibration characteristics of the wheelchair, to improve wheelchair comfort and design.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The question naires were distributed to 33 wheelchair users directly by the experimenter in order to identify the causes of complaints from wheelchair vibrations that they experienced. The vibration transmissibility of wheelchairs of ten subjects was measured to clarify the causes of complaints of wheelchair vibration according to the ISO 10326-1 standard in the laboratory using a broadband random vibration spectrum with a frequency-weighted vibration magnitude of 0.1 ms(-2) r.m.s. over the frequency range from 0.2 to 100 Hz. Each vibration exposure lasted 60 seconds.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The following findings were clear from the questionnaire results; (i) the vibration rom the wheelchair affected psychological comfort; (ii) the effects of different riding surfaces were important engineering issues affecting wheelchair ride comfort; (iii) the wheelchair users felt the vibration during wheelchair usage at locations on the neck, lower back and buttocks; (iv) vertical vibration was the most noticeable vibration from the wheelchair to each participant's body. The following findings were clear from the results of the transmissibility measurement of the wheelchair; (i) the resonance frequency-ranges of the transmissibility of the wheelchair showed significant differences between the subjects; (ii) intra-subject variability from three repeated transmissibility measurements was small; (iii) the first resonant frequency occurred approximately 5 to 7 Hz and the second resonant frequency occurred at around 8 Hz and the third resonant frequency occurred approximately 13 to 15 Hz; (iv) the magnitude of the peak transmissibility varied from 1.3 to 2.6.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>From the comparison of the results of questionnaires and the transmissibility measurement of the wheelchair, the resonance frequency-ranges of the maximum vibration transmissibility of the manual wheelchairs were consistent with the frequency-ranges of the body parts of the causes of the complaints of wheelchair users. In addition, from these experimental results, it was suggested that the main point for improving a wheelchair user's comfort was to reduce the wheelchair seat vibration transmissibility at around 8 Hz and also to design wheelchair stiffness and damping characteristics to minimize vibration transmission at specific frequencies at body locations that caused the discomfort reported by wheelchair users.</p>
Résumé
Objective: Clarify the relation between the complaints of wheelchair users and the vibration characteristics of the wheelchair, to improve wheelchair comfort and design. Methods: The questionnaires were distributed to 33 wheelchair users directly by the experimenter in order to identify the causes of complaints from wheelchair vibrations that they experienced. The vibration transmissibility of wheelchairs of ten subjects was measured to clarify the causes of complaints of wheelchair vibration according to the ISO 10326-1 standard in the laboratory using a broadband random vibration spectrum with a frequency-weighted vibration magnitude of 0.1 ms−2 r.m.s. over the frequency range from 0.2 to 100 Hz. Each vibration exposure lasted 60 seconds. Results: The following findings were clear from the questionnaire results; (i) the vibration from the wheelchair affected psychological comfort; (ii) the effects of different riding surfaces were important engineering issues affecting wheelchair ride comfort; (iii) the wheelchair users felt the vibration during wheelchair usage at locations on the neck, lower back and buttocks; (iv) vertical vibration was the most noticeable vibration from the wheelchair to each participant’s body. The following findings were clear from the results of the transmissibility measurement of the wheelchair; (i) the resonance frequency-ranges of the transmissibility of the wheelchair showed significant differences between the subjects; (ii) intra-subject variability from three repeated transmissibility measurements was small; (iii) the first resonant frequency occurred approximately 5 to 7 Hz and the second resonant frequency occurred at around 8 Hz and the third resonant frequency occurred approximately 13 to 15 Hz; (iv) the magnitude of the peak transmissibility varied from 1.3 to 2.6. Conclusion: From the comparison of the results of questionnaires and the transmissibility measurement of the wheelchair, the resonance frequency-ranges of the maximum vibration transmissibility of the manual wheelchairs were consistent with the frequency-ranges of the body parts of the causes of the complaints of wheelchair users. In addition, from these experimental results, it was suggested that the main point for improving a wheelchair user’s comfort was to reduce the wheelchair seat vibration transmissibility at around 8 Hz and also to design wheelchair stiffness and damping characteristics to minimize vibration transmission at specific frequencies at body locations that caused the discomfort reported by wheelchair users.