The most significant results of a study of wheelchair caster shimmy are presented. This study finds that the trail and moment of inertia of the wheel are the inertial parameters of wheelchair casters with the greatest effect on shimmy. Shimmy is a self-excited vibration. This is a vibration caused by a force that is a function of the state of the system itself, rather than by an external periodic force. In the case of wheelchair caster shimmy the force is a function of the angular position of the caster, the transvers acceleration of the wheelchair frame, an the forward velocity of the wheelchair. When the caster wheel is pointed exactly in the direction of motion of the wheelchair then there is no driving force for shimmy and the caster will not shimmy. However, if there is any disturbance that causes a deviation of direction or a transverse acceleration of the wheelchair frame then shimmy may begin.
The effect of inertial parameters of casters on wheelchair caster shimmy
Der Effekt von Traegheitsparametern von Gussraedern auf das Flattern von Gussraedern an Rollstuehlen
1983
3 Seiten, 3 Bilder, 1 Tabelle, 5 Quellen
Aufsatz (Konferenz)
Englisch