How laboratory testing shapes the braking performance of electric wheelchairs

How laboratory testing shapes the braking performance of electric wheelchairs: A comprehensive analysis

Introduction
As an important means of travel for people with limited mobility, the braking performance of electric wheelchairs is directly related to the safety and convenience of users. Laboratory testing plays a vital role in the evaluation and optimization of the braking performance of electric wheelchairs. This article will explore the various impacts of laboratory testing on the braking performance of electric wheelchairs, covering test items, standards, methods and practical applications, to help you fully understand this key area.

1. The criticality of electric wheelchair braking performance
Guarantee of safe travel: Good braking performance can ensure that electric wheelchairs can slow down or stop in a timely and stable manner during driving, such as when encountering obstacles, emergencies or parking on slopes, effectively avoiding collisions, rollovers and other accidents that may be caused by brake failure, and protecting the personal safety of users.
Improve user experience: The precise and sensitive braking system enables electric wheelchair users to control the equipment more confidently, achieve smooth start and stop under different road conditions, reduce physical discomfort or loss of control caused by abrupt braking, and enhance the comfort and convenience of travel.

2. Main items of laboratory testing
Braking force test: Use professional equipment to simulate the braking process of electric wheelchairs under various driving conditions, measure the force generated during braking, and evaluate whether the braking system can provide sufficient braking force to slow down or stop the vehicle under different speed and load conditions. For example, according to standard requirements, the braking distance of electric wheelchairs at a certain speed should be ≤1m, which requires accurate braking force to achieve.
Braking distance test: Under specific road conditions, speeds and loads, measure the distance traveled by the electric wheelchair from the beginning of braking to complete stop to measure the quality of the braking effect. This test can intuitively reflect the performance of the braking system in actual use and provide users with key safety reference data.
Hill braking performance test: Simulate the braking situation of electric wheelchairs when parked on slopes of different slopes to check whether they can remain stationary within the specified time without slipping. Generally, it is required to brake on a 10° slope with a displacement of ≤10mm to ensure the safety of users when getting on and off the slope or temporarily parking.
Dynamic stability test: including rear, forward and lateral dynamic stability tests, observing the dynamic response of the electric wheelchair when driving and braking under different slopes, speeds and operating conditions, such as whether it will tilt, lean on the anti-tilt device or even tip over, and evaluating its stability and safety under complex road conditions.

3. Laboratory test standards and methods
Domestic standards: such as GB/T 12996-2012 “Electric Wheelchair” stipulates a number of performance requirements and test methods for electric wheelchairs, covering braking force, braking distance, hill-holding ability and other braking-related indicators, providing a clear basis and specification for laboratory testing, ensuring the scientificity, comparability and reliability of the test results.
International standards: ISO 7176 series standards are widely recognized wheelchair testing standards internationally. In terms of braking performance, ISO 7176-3:2012 specifies the test methods for wheelchair brake performance, including principles, facilities, test preparation, inspection reports, etc., to guide laboratories to adopt unified methods and processes to accurately evaluate the braking performance of different types of electric wheelchairs, and promote international comparison and recognition of product performance.

4. Specific manifestations of the impact of laboratory testing on braking performance

Optimize product design: Through various tests on the braking system, manufacturers can deeply understand the performance of the product under different working conditions, find deficiencies in the design, such as unreasonable brake structure and uneven distribution of braking force, and make targeted optimization and improvement accordingly to improve the overall braking performance and safety of the product.

Ensure quality consistency: Laboratory testing strictly tests each batch of electric wheelchairs according to unified standards and methods. Only products that meet the standards can be sold from the factory, which effectively ensures the consistency and stability of product quality, so that each electric wheelchair can have reliable braking performance and provide stable safety protection for users.
Promote technological innovation: In order to meet the increasingly stringent testing standards and the market’s higher requirements for braking performance, manufacturers need to continuously invest in R&D resources and explore new braking technologies and materials, such as adopting more efficient brakes and optimizing braking control systems, so as to promote innovation and development in the field of braking technology in the entire electric wheelchair industry and enhance the core competitiveness of products.

5. Development of laboratory testing equipment and technology

High-precision testing instruments: With the continuous advancement of science and technology, laboratories are equipped with more and more precise testing instruments, such as high-precision force sensors, displacement sensors, speed sensors, etc., which can more accurately measure various parameters in the braking process, provide more reliable data support for braking performance evaluation, and make test results more scientific and credible.

Simulation technology: Using computer simulation technology, the braking performance of electric wheelchairs can be quickly and efficiently evaluated and optimized in a virtual environment. By establishing an accurate mathematical model, simulating different road conditions, loads, speeds and other working conditions, predicting possible problems in the braking system in advance, and adjusting the design scheme, the product development cycle and cost are greatly shortened, and the product development efficiency and quality are improved.
Automated testing system: The application of automated testing system improves the efficiency and accuracy of testing and reduces the impact of human factors on test results. It can automatically complete a series of test operations according to the preset program, collect and analyze data in real time, and automatically generate test reports, which improves the standardization and professional level of laboratory testing.

6. Practical application case analysis
Case 1: During the development of new products, an electric wheelchair manufacturer found through repeated laboratory tests that the original braking system had a long braking distance when driving at high speeds, posing a safety hazard. After optimizing and adjusting the brake structure and control algorithm, the test was re-tested, and the braking distance finally met the standard requirements, improving the safety performance of the product. After the product was launched, it received market praise and user trust.
Case 2: After receiving customer feedback that electric wheelchairs were difficult to park stably on slopes, another manufacturer quickly organized the laboratory to conduct targeted tests. The test found that the poor braking performance on the slope was caused by insufficient connection strength between the brake and the wheelchair frame. By strengthening the connection structure and improving the friction material of the brake, after retesting and verification, the problems reflected by the customer were solved, and customer satisfaction and brand reputation were improved.

7. Conclusion
Laboratory testing is a key factor affecting the braking performance of electric wheelchairs, and it runs through all aspects of product design, development, manufacturing, and quality control. By strictly following the test standards and methods and using advanced testing equipment and technology, manufacturers can continuously improve the braking performance of electric wheelchairs and ensure the safety and convenience of users. In the future development of the electric wheelchair industry, laboratory testing will continue to play an important role, promote the continuous advancement and innovation of product technology, provide better quality and more reliable travel tools for people with limited mobility, and help them achieve greater freedom and independence in life.