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Current potential research project
Development of Universal access method for motor car
- Supervisors: Dr Paul Gunther and Dr Hung-Yao Hsu
- Area: Ergonomics, Automotive Engineering, Mechanical Engineering
- Abstract: "Universal access" of vehicles is referring to door and floor design which enables the elderly and disabled to access a passenger vehicle without external help. Especially for disabled (wheelchair based) customers, special vehicle manufacturers modify mass production vehicles’ seat systems and floor pans to allow for access. Typical examples are swivelling seat, centre floor pan lowering and tilting, centre floor side ramp, interior seat system modifications/2nd or 3rd row removal, rear floor pan cut out, rear floor pan lowering and rear floor pan ramp. These modifications may also include lifting options and remote control of wheelchair stowage. Most “universal access” vehicle modification designs are based on experience, subjective evaluation and market drivers (i.e. available technology, mainly from the large markets). While some solutions favour a transportation solution with the disabled passenger in the 2nd or 3rd row, other solutions allow for wheelchair access to the front passenger or even driver positions. A fourth category accommodates the disabled driver or passenger in a seat fixed to the vehicle, which can be articulated to help the disabled person move into the passenger compartment. Based on a recent market survey, existing universal access systems for “people movers” are to ergonomically assessed, with a focus on the taxi market (Figure 3). Using motion studies and virtual engineering methodology, a recommendation for an ergonomically sound universal access design is to be given and the design shall be implemented in a prototype.
- Related references: Not provided
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