Page 23 - Mobility Management, April 2018

Doherty says. However, the way manufacturers look at suspen- sion systems has evolved over the years.
“For years suspension focused on climbing ability, but now with advancements in technology we can provide a suspension that climbs well and provides a smoother ride,” Doherty says. “This will allow us to design power wheelchairs with stability and increased comfort. Using a more dynamic suspension allows for the possibility of giving providers a choice of suspension based on weight or even suspension types.”
Even the most clinically bene cial technology or power mobility system will not be of much use if it is not comfortable, as it probably will not be used — Brad Peterson, Invacare Corp.
“In speaking with engineers here at Invacare, they all agree that consideration of suspension and ride quality for the user has made them think of better ways to manufacture chairs,” Peterson
says. “A good suspension system makes a power wheelchair a more complex machine. Chairs need to have that great balance of performance and stability, be robust enough to endure a longer funding cycle, perform in a variety of environments on varied surfaces, be exible enough to interface with different power positioning systems, and t into more constrictive funding situations.
“Consumers are expecting more, and they should,” Peterson says.
Many manufacturers have focused on exibility in design to provide the ultimate comfort for each client’s unique needs.
For example, Permobil has “increased focus on suspension performance,” Bourque says, which plays a signi cant factor in the design of the chassis.
“Critical parameters to be considered are geometry, structural rigidity and stiffness, reliability and durability, and robustness to promote a suspension system that works for all user weights, at all drive speeds and in a variety of seating positions,” Bourque says.
In addition, the suspension system is adjustable, which allows adaptation to the user’s weight and environment, Bourque says. Quantum Rehab recently released a shock suspension system
called SRS, which stands for Smooth Ride Suspension. The name
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