Considerations for the Design of a Wheelchair Dynamometer Concerning a Dedicated Braking System

Abstract

As part of ongoing research, a wheelchair dynamometer has been designed and built. This device is a complex test stand, enabling research on the operation of wheelchairs, taking into account a number of biomechanical factors in laboratory conditions. Based on a review of the available literature, the braking system was designed and constructed as a part of a dynamometer drive system. This has resulted in a design issue concerning the optimal selection of the electromechanical drive combined with a hydraulic system as the actuator of the brake. The purpose of the research discussed here is to determine the characteristics of the braking system. For this purpose, a series of tests were carried out using a wheelchair with an electric drive, which allowed the generation of a constant rotational speed in the range between 72 rpm and 222 rpm. Based on the test results, the hysteresis of the developed braking system and the characteristics of the braking power were determined.