With assistance from Invacare, a prototype UDIG adaptor was designed, fabricated, and installed onto the wheelchair (Figure 1).
With assistance from Sunrise Medical, a prototype UDIG adaptor was installed on the wheelchair.
With assistance from Amigo Mobility International, the scooter was equipped with two front aluminum tie-down securement points, a prototype UDIG adaptor with two integrated rear tie-down securement points, and a UDIG-anchored pelvic restraint (Figure 3).
None of the modified components (UDIG adaptors or wheelchair-anchored pelvic restraints) were strength tested before in-vehicle testing.
The system consisted of a pneumatically powered engagement mechanism that automatically engaged with the UDIG adaptor on the rear frame of each wheelchair (Figure 5).
This system did not require additional wheelchair-mounted hardware (e.g., UDIG adaptor or securement points).
Participants stated that an adaptor, like the autodocking system UDIG adaptor, should be designed as part of the wheelchair or come as a safety feature with the wheelchair.
Three participants commented on the wheelchair interface design with the autodocking system (UDIG adaptor) so that it does not alter the wheelchair footprint.