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Anthropomorphic model rigid loading indenter with embedded sensor development for wheelchair cushion standard testing

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Abstract

Develop an anthropomorphic model cushion rigid loading indenter with embedded sensors (AMCRLI-ES) to assess compression and shear forces at key locations such as trochanters and ischial tuberosities. The sensor design was optimized using finite element analysis. The AMCRLI-ES was designed with the same dimensions as specified in ISO 16840–2 tests. The AMCRLI-ES is divided into eight independent sections, and each section consists of one 3-axis load cell sensor to measure compression and shear forces normal to the compression direction. Six commercial cushions were tested using the AMCRLI-ES with standard ISO 16840–2 testing procedures. Statistical differences were found for energy dissipation between cushions. Statistical differences (p < 0.001) were found in all stiffness values. Test results showed that energy dissipation (ED) was correlated with hysteresis at 500 N with moderate to high Pearson product correlation r = -0.537, p = 0.022. The hysteresis at 250 N did not show a statistical correlation with ED. The AMCRLI-ES demonstrated the ability to measure compression and shear forces at key locations on the cushion including the thigh, trochanter, ischial tuberosity, and sacral area. It provides in-depth information about how the weight was distributed on the cushions.

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Funding

This work was supported in part by the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs through the Spinal Cord Injury Research Program under Award No. W81XWH-15–1-0719.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Human Engineering Research Laboratories, University of Pittsburgh and US Department of Veterans Affairs, Pittsburgh, PA, USA

    Cheng-Shiu Chung, Garrett G. Grindle, Joshua D. Brown, Benjamin Gebrosky & Rory A. Cooper

  2. University of Texas at Arlington Research Institute, Fort Worth, TX, USA

    Wei Carrigan, Pavan Nuthi & Muthu B. J. Wijesundara

Authors
  1. Cheng-Shiu Chung
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  2. Garrett G. Grindle
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  3. Joshua D. Brown
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  4. Benjamin Gebrosky
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  5. Wei Carrigan
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  6. Pavan Nuthi
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  7. Muthu B. J. Wijesundara
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  8. Rory A. Cooper
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Contributions

Conceptualization: Muthu BJ Wijesundara, Rory A. Cooper. Methodology: Cheng-Shiu Chung, Garrett G. Grindle, Joshua D. Brown, Benjamin Gebrosky, Wei Carrigan, Pavan Nuthi, Muthu BJ Wijesundara, Rory A. Cooper. Formal analysis and investigation: Cheng-Shiu Chung, Garrett G. Grindle, Joshua D. Brown, Benjamin Gebrosky, Wei Carrigan. Writing—original draft preparation: Cheng-Shiu Chung, Rory A. Cooper. Writing—review and editing: Cheng-Shiu Chung, Garrett G. Grindle, Joshua D. Brown, Benjamin Gebrosky, Wei Carrigan, Pavan Nuthi, Muthu BJ Wijesundara, Rory A. Cooper. Funding acquisition: Muthu BJ Wijesundara, Rory A. Cooper. Resources: Muthu BJ Wijesundara, Rory A. Cooper. Supervision: Garrett G. Grindle, Muthu BJ Wijesundara, Rory A. Cooper.

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Chung, CS., Grindle, G.G., Brown, J.D. et al. Anthropomorphic model rigid loading indenter with embedded sensor development for wheelchair cushion standard testing. Med Biol Eng Comput 61, 329–340 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11517-022-02720-y

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11517-022-02720-y

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