Unwin Safety Systems And Brotherwood Introduce New 190kg Wheelchair Safe Accessible Vehicle

Main Category: Rehabilitation / Physical Therapy
Article Date: 15 Apr 2009 - 4:00 PDT

email to a friend   printer friendly   view / write opinions   rate article

During the development of its high quality wheelchair accessible conversion of the Kia Sedona, Brotherwood Automobility Ltd. called on the expertise of Unwin Safety Systems with whom they share a long standing working relationship. In recent years, powered wheelchair manufacturers have had to respond to the demands of clients for greater versatility and mobility, resulting in an inevitable weight increase. The average electric wheelchairs may now weigh between 120kg and 160kg with a small number of multi-functional power chairs weighing up to190kg.

Unwin, a world-leader in wheelchair and occupant restraint systems and Brotherwood, the renowned accessible vehicle converter, based in the south west of England, have built upon their 40-year business relationship by developing this latest innovation in wheelchair tie-down technology. International standards stipulate that Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles (WAVs) must secure a wheelchair of up to 85kg, whereas this converted vehicle from Brotherwood exceeds current ISO regulation 10542 by a staggering 123% which is unrivalled within the WAV industry.

Brotherwood appreciated there was no alternative but to design a new WAV to cater for these heavier wheelchairs and establish a new testing programme for the higher loads. Utilising the Unwin proven products within the vehicle structure became the obvious way to secure the greater mass of wheelchair.

Instrumental to the successful design of restraints in this vehicle is the Hook-i Ratchin (or optional Winchin) installed in the foot well of the conversion, whilst the rear of the wheelchair is secured by an Unwin tandem Solo system. To encompass the diverse range of anchor positions, Unwin has designed various attachment couplings that can be supplied to suit a particular client's wheelchair, up to 190kg.

Developed over the past two years, the Hook-i Ratchin and Winchin front restraint system has the heavy duty webbing stored on twin synchronised spools, with attachments being made onto the wheelchair by means of a karabiner or optional Unwin fitting. Should the driver/carer need assistance pushing a heavy attendant wheelchair and passenger, the Hook-i-Winchin can be operated by a simple remote radio control handset, making the loading operation very easy. However user operated wheelchairs and powerchairs that do not require powered winching, benefit from easier access when going up vehicle ramps as the connected restraint webbing retracts on entry preventing the occupant rolling back.

The vehicle conversion required static pull tests on the whole vehicle body shell performed by a leading test facility run by STATUS at Manchester Polytechnic, whilst dynamic testing of the combined restraint system was carried out at the Transport Research Laboratory (TRL) at Crowthorne in Berkshire.

This joint venture represents a breakthrough in disabled passenger safety. "We are very proud of this achievement and what it will mean for so many disabled people. For many years, Unwin and Brotherwood have shared the same goal - to bring maximum independence to disabled peoples' lives without compromising on safety. Our longstanding relationship has culminated in this ground breaking accessible vehicle," commented Unwin's Sales and Marketing Director Gerry O'Connor.

Venturing into uncharted territory meant Brotherwood had to draw on its comprehensive engineering experience to design and build a new surrogate wheelchair where the mass can be increased incrementally, from the 85kg prescribed in ISO 10542 Annex E, to 190kg. Brotherwood's founder and Managing Director Rod Brotherwood explained that the increased safety concerns voiced by the MHRA required addressing. "Brotherwood has an extensive ongoing research and development programme, the aim of which is to provide better products for wheelchair passengers - conversions that are easy to use, offer comfort and dignity, with restraint systems that are as safe as possible if used correctly. Designing the surrogate wheelchair was a necessity for our engineers before commencing the testing programme with Unwin Safety Systems. We can now offer this proven model to any converter or test laboratory."

Unwin Safety Systems

Unwin Safety Systems of Somerset has been pioneering the manufacture of world leading wheelchair and occupant safety systems for over 50 years. Its systems are trusted by industry professionals worldwide and currently include a comprehensive range of wheelchair and occupant restraint systems, flooring solutions and seat fixtures. This extensive portfolio ensures that regardless of the type of vehicle, wheelchair or powerchair, Unwin can provide a solution to ensure peace of mind for the vehicle owner, driver and passenger.

Brotherwood Automobility

Established in 1984 and based in Dorset, Brotherwood has continually led within the accessible vehicle conversion industry. It provides consumers with a wide range of high quality wheelchair accessible vehicles that ensure disabled occupants and their co-passengers can travel in safety. It currently employs 64 members of staff, offers comprehensive advice and a high level of after sales support throughout the UK.

Source
Brotherwood Automobility