A test ramp, test dummy, and obstacles were all made over the course of the project for purposes of testing. The test ramp was used in the static stability and gravitational force accuracy tests. Another important testing apparatus was the test dummy created and used in the static stability, gravitational force accuracy, ability to go backwards, and ability to steer tests. Wood for obstacles were cut and designed for the obstacle climbing test. The obstacle climbing test was not completed so the obstacles were not used.
Test Ramp
The test ramp, which can be seen below in Figure 21, was built using lumber and two car jacks. This design enables the ramp’s angle to be increased and decreased to desired angles. The maximum angle is around 17.58°. The test ramp was used in the static stability test, and gravitational force accuracy test. This would be useful in other testing as well because of the adjustable angle.
Test Dummy
An important testing apparatus was a test dummy. The test dummy was made out of about 180 lbs of sand packed into clothing to create a model roughly the size, weight and shape of a person sitting in the wheelchair. It was intended for the test dummy to be 198 lbs to model the average weight of an american male, but the physical construction limited this. The current weight is around 180 lbs which was deemed to be a useful weight for the dummy. The test dummy was used in the static stability, and gravitational force accuracy. Overall the test dummy was very useful in testing and maintaining the safety of everyone by not having to test with a person in the wheelchair.
Obstacles
An obstacle climbing test was planned to be conducted. This test was in accordance with ISO 7176-10 and would test Specifications G8 and P8. The test procedure called for obstacles the wheelchair and device would approach and attempt to overcome in increasing heights. To achieve this, wood was cut and intended to increase in 0.75 in intervals until reaching 6 in which is the standard height of a curb [7]. Additionally 300 lbs of sand was acquired to secure the obstacles when the wheelchair was approaching the obstacle. While this test was not attempted, the procedure, and materials are ready to be used to test the obstacle climbing capabilities.