Advancement Towards Spatial Justice:The Barrier-Free Environment Construction from a Gender Perspective

Space is both a product and a producer of social relations.In the spatial domain,gender blindness has long existed,limiting women’s rights of access to and use of space,leading to structural oppression of women’s rights,and giving rise to new gender inequalities.The barrier-free environment construction has the functions of eliminating physical barriers and generating societal norms,and when combined with social changes,can facilitate justice correction across multiple dimensions.However,barrier-free environment construction itself,as a means of justice correction,also suffers from gender blindness.There remains room for improvement in the areas of facility construction,information exchange,and social services within the realm of barrier-free environments.In response to this phenomenon,gender equality offers a new critical perspective.Therefore,integrating a gender perspective into the barrier-free environment construction,focusing on the spatial rights of women,especially groups with multiple vulnerabilities,such as disabled women and elderly women,can contribute to the advancement towards spatial justice.

Barrier-free Design of Public Rental Housing

With the aging of society,special groups have had increasing needs of integrating into social life,and higher requirements on life quality,and the society has attached increasing importance to barrier-free design.Taking public rental housing for example,both circulation space and furniture design have to fully consider needs of special groups such as the seniors and the disabled.Barrier-free design in living spaces can help improve their ability of self-care,reduce their dependence on family members,fully demonstrate the"human-centered"design concept of public rental housing,and show the designers’sense of social responsibility.

The Protection of Human Rights in the Construction of Barrier-free Environment--Viewed from the perspective of the Marxist Human Rights Concept

The construction of a barrier-free environment contains a rich connotation of human rights protection,and is closely related to the study of human rights protection in China.With the evolution of the concept of barrier-free design and the expansion of its beneficiary groups,constructing a barrier-free environment has become a basic task that benefits all members of society and meets the public needs of all the people,with its core goal expanding from the protection of the rights of the disabled to the protection of the basic rights and interests of all members of society.Building a barrier-free environment from the perspective of the Marxist human rights concept is conducive to safeguarding the people’s right to subsistence and development,and at the same time,it satisfies their demand for the right to pursue a high-quality and better life and reflects the common vision of everyone in society fully enjoying human rights.promoting the construction of a barrier-free environment in terms of legal protection based on China’s institutional advantages can improve and innovate the country’s legislation on the construction of a barrier-free environment,so as to play an exemplary and guiding role in enhancing the international barrier-free level and enable all people to enjoy the good life created through the drive to build a barrier-free environment.

Verification of the Operability of Short-Distance Mobility Vehicles (Electric Wheelchair) WHILL Through Test Drive Experiments

In this study,we used the short-distance mobility vehicles(electric wheelchair)WHILL,which is sold as a mobility support device rather than a welfare care device,and conducted test rides on campus and on public roads.The participants in the experiment were 10 healthy men and women in their 20s to 60s who did not use electric wheelchairs in their daily lives.The results showed that about half of the experiment participants did not feel anxious about operating WHILL.On the other hand,many participants felt uneasy about the operation of moving backward diagonally.The WHILL’s steering wheel was easy to operate,and it was also very comfortable during the test drive.Before and after the test drive,the impression evaluation of WHILL changed significantly from negative to positive.An improved model of WHILL was proposed based on the results of the questionnaire survey and interview survey after the test drive.

集成Kano/AHP/TOPSIS的老年智能轮椅产品设计路径研究

目的 为解决老年用户智能轮椅产品设计中缺乏人性化、用户需求模糊等问题,提出一种集成Kano/AHP/TOPSIS模型(KAT)的老年智能轮椅产品设计方法。方法 本研究将KAT模型应用于智能轮椅设计研发中,首先通过观察、用户访谈、市场调研等渠道获得17项老年用户需求,并运用Kano模型将其划分为不同属性;其次,引入AHP法求解不同属性用户需求权重值,明确如厕方便、舒适性、健康检测、遮阳(遮雨)棚、远程控制和按摩为重要用户需求,依此进行方案构思及设计;最后,采用TOPSIS法对设计方案进行综合评价,得出最佳设计方案。结果 集成Kano/AHP/TOPSIS的老年智能轮椅产品设计模型可更准确地分析用户需求属性及权重,规范后续设计方案评价过程。以智能轮椅概念设计为例,最终输出的方案适用性程度较高,可极大提高用户满意度。结论 KAT模型在老年智能轮椅产品设计中具有可行性,可为同类老年智能轮椅产品的研发提供设计路径。

不同类型轮椅太极锻炼对高脂血症老年残疾患者血脂及心血管功能的影响

[目的]为探究不同类型轮椅太极锻炼对高脂血症老年残疾患者血脂及心血管功能的影响.[方法]选取了武汉市武昌区16个社区中210例下肢残疾伴高脂血症的老年患者,随机分为轮椅太极乾坤球干预组、轮椅太极拳干预组和无运动干预组各70例,分别实施为期24周的实验干预.[结果]1)两组干预均使总胆固醇(TC)、低密度脂蛋白胆固醇(LDL-C)、心肌耗氧指数(HOI)、肺动脉楔压(PAWP)及全血黏度(N)水平显著下降,同时显著提升了每分心输出量(CO)、左心室有效泵力指数(VPEL)、心脏指数(CI)及左心搏功指数(SWI);2)两组干预均显著提高了血管顺应度(AC),血脂成分方面,甘油三酯(TG)、高密度脂蛋白胆固醇(HDL-C)、载脂蛋白A1(ApoA1)及载脂蛋白B(ApoB)的变化均达到统计学显著性.3)轮椅太极乾坤球组在改善微循环指标方面表现尤为突出,微循环半更新率(MHR)、微循环半更新时间(MRT)及微循环平均滞留时间(MST)均显著降低.[结论]长期有规律的轮椅太极乾坤球、轮椅太极拳锻炼均能有效改善高脂血症老年残疾患者的血脂水平及心血管功能.比较而言,轮椅太极乾坤球锻炼对改善高脂血症老年残疾患者的血脂水平、心血管功能的效果优于轮椅太极拳.

绳驱柔性轮椅机械臂解耦设计与运动学分析

【目的】针对传统刚性轮椅机械臂体积大、质量重、人机交互存在安全等问题,设计了一种6自由度绳驱动柔性轮椅机械臂。【方法】该机械臂采用一种柔性平动结构,在改变末端位置的同时可以保持末端姿态不变,实现了位置与姿态的解耦,同时可有效提高柔性机械臂刚度;基于常曲率建模方法建立了柔性机械臂的运动学模型,进行了驱动空间、关节空间、操作空间之间的运动学分析以及各柔性关节间的解耦分析;建立了基于Adams虚拟样机的仿真模型。【结果】通过与Matlab软件的数值仿真结果对比,验证了运动学算法的准确性,为后续机械臂的运动控制提供依据。

Research on Travel Preferences of Wheelchair Users in Barrier-Free Environments and Improvement Strategies for Adaptive Urban Roads

The construction of a barrier-free environment is an important measure that guarantees the safety,right-of-way,and interests of the disabled,the elderly,and other mobility disadvantaged groups.It is also an indispensable part of the low-carbon urban transportation and a necessary way to protect the rights of mobility disadvantaged groups in green travel.In this paper,the researchers conducted life log surveys on the travels of 10 wheelchair users residing in Beijing with IoT Inspector,a self-developed,wheelchairmountable intelligent sensing device.Wheelchair users’travel preferences and reasons were then analyzed using the image and textual data from the surveys.Combined with a mapping workshop,a comparative analysis was performed on the bumpiness of sidewalk paving materials.The study found that wheelchair travelers’preferred non-motor lanes over sidewalks;substandard curb ramps,unleveled tree pools,limited access widths,and bumpy pavement were the main problems faced by wheelchair users in sidewalk accessibility.In addition,the study explores the inclusive needs and challenges of non-motorized right-of-way for new transportation means at urban planning and traffic management levels.Based on multi-sourced data,this paper discusses the possibility of assessing urban barrier-free environment and representing a narrative of the needs of mobility disadvantaged groups,so as to provide practical experience and technical support to the improvement strategies of adaptive roads.

Mechanics analysis of a wheelchair robot with wheel-track coupling mechanism

A barrier-free wheelchair robot with a mechanism coupled by wheel and track is presen- ted in this paper. Using the wheelchair, the lower limb disabled persons could be more relaxed to take part in outdoor activities whether on flat ground or stairs and obstacles in the city. The wheel- track coupling mechanism is designed and the stability of the bodywork of the wheelchair robot on the stairs is analyzed. In order to obtain the stability of wheelchair robot when it climbs obstacles, centroid projection method is applied to analyze the static stability, stability margin is proposed to provide the stability under some dynamic forces, and the push rod rotation angle in terms of the guaranteed stability margin is given. Finally, the dynamic model of the wheelchair robot based on Lagrange equation is established, which can be a theoretical foundation for the wheelchair control system design.

Electric Wheelchair Control System Using Brain-Computer Interface Based on Alpha-Wave Blocking

A brain-computer interface(BCI)-based electric wheelchair control system was developed, which enables the users to move the wheelchair forward or backward, and turn left or right without any pre-learning. This control system makes use of the amplitude enhancement of alpha-wave blocking in electroencephalogram(EEG) when eyes close for more than 1 s to constitute a BCI for the switch control of wheelchair movements. The system was formed by BCI control panel, data acquisition, signal processing unit and interface control circuit. Eight volunteers participated in the wheelchair control experiments according to the preset routes. The experimental results show that the mean success control rate of all the subjects was 81.3%, with the highest reaching 93.7%. When one subject's triggering time was 2.8 s, i.e., the flashing time of each cycle light was 2.8 s, the average information transfer rate was 8.10 bit/min, with the highest reaching 12.54 bit/min.

Implementation of a Biometric Interface in Voice Controlled Wheelchairs

In order to assist physically handicapped persons in their movements,we developed an embedded isolated word speech recognition system(ASR)applied to voice control of smart wheelchairs.However,in spite of the existence in the industrial market of several kinds of electric wheelchairs,the problem remains the need to manually control this device by hand via joystick;which limits their use especially by people with severe disabilities.Thus,a significant number of disabled people cannot use a standard electric wheelchair or drive it with difficulty.The proposed solution is to use the voice to control and drive the wheelchair instead of classical joysticks.The intelligent chair is equipped with an obstacle detection system consisting of ultrasonic sensors,a moving navigation algorithm and a speech acquisition and recognition module for voice control embedded in a DSP card.The ASR architecture consists of two main modules.The first one is the speech parameterization module(features extraction)and the second module is the classifier which identifies the speech and generates the control word to motors power unit.The training and recognition phases are based on Hidden Markov Models(HMM),K-means,Baum-Welch and Viterbi algorithms.The database consists of 39 isolated speaker words(13 words pronounced 3 times under different environments and conditions).The simulations are tested under Matlab environment and the real-time implementation is performed by C language with code composer studio embedded in a TMS 320 C6416 DSP kit.The results and experiments obtained gave promising recognition ratio and accuracy around 99%in clean environment.However,the system accuracy decreases considerably in noisy environments,especially for SNR values below 5 dB(in street:78%,in factory:52%).

The Design of Wheelchair Lifting Mechanism and Control System

In order to achieve a wheelchair lift function, this paper designs a tri-scissors mechanism. Through the so-called H-type transmission and L-type swing rod, the three scissors mechanisms lift in the same rate with only one liner motor while ensuring the stability of the lift. Finite element analysis in ANSYS is performed to verify the material strength. The control system with Sunplus SCM achieves the voice control of wheelchair walking and lifting.

Study on Characteristics of the Wheelchair-User Combination

To summarize the characteristics of wheelchair-user combination, this paper studied wheelchairs, wheelchair users, nursing staffs and interaction relationship between them. Firstly, the findings of some research on wheelchairs and wheelchair users were investigated, and the studies in four aspects of wheelchairs and their accessories, wheelchair users, wheelchairs and wheelchair users (man-machine system), and skills training for the performance of wheelchair were reviewed. Then “wheelchair-user combination” was put forward based on the relationship between wheelchairs and wheelchair users in real life, and the “wheelchair-user combination” was divided into “WUs-Ws system” and “WUs-Ws-NSs system” according to whether the nursing staffs were needed. Finally, this paper analytically studied the characteristics of wheelchair users, characteristics in use of wheelchair and characteristics of nursing staffs, as well as put forward the characteristics of the wheelchair-user combination.

Hand rim wheelchair training: Effects of intensity and duration on physical capacity

The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of intensity and duration of training on physical capacity in a 7 weeks hand rim wheelchair training in able-bodied men. Thirty-six able-bodied men participated in three groups: a 30% heart rate reserve (HRR) 70 min training group (N = 14), a 70% HRR 30 minutes training group (N = 13) and a 30% HRR 30 minutes training group (N = 9). All groups trained 3 times per week for 7 weeks on a treadmill. Pre and post tests on a wheelchair ergometer comprised a submaximal test at 20% and 40% of the estimated peak power output, in which submaximal heart rate, oxygen uptake and mechanical efficiency were determined. In maximal exercise tests, maximal isometric strength, sprint power, peak power output and peak oxygen uptake were measured. No significant differences were found between the training groups on submaximal and maximal parameters. It can be concluded that, in persons new to wheelchair use, seven weeks of wheelchair endurance training at an intensity of 30% HRR for 30 minutes is as effective as a training at a higher intensity (70% HRR) or with a longer duration (70 min).

Influence of Wheelchair Cushions Fabricated by Therapists on Stability, Comfort, and Functionality

“Ease of comfort” and “functionality” are important factors that have been cited to improve wheelchair seating. The ability to maintain balance and posture while seated in a wheelchair improves stability, comfort, and functionality and is a prerequisite for daily activities. In this study, the authors used a sitting position measuring device to scientifically verify differences in sitting posture, comfort, and functionality depending on the presence or absence of cushions and the type of cushion in elderly individuals who used wheelchairs. Results suggested that a cushion fabricated by a therapist was more useful than a commercially available air cushion. While a commercially available air cushion was the most suitable, the therapist’s self-made cushion could be expected to demonstrate the same or better applicability than an air cushion.

Measurement of the Wheelchair-Operating Time Spent by Stroke Patients Using a New Triaxial Accelerometer System

Purpose: We investigated the validity of a triaxial accelerometer system for measuring the time spent lying down, sitting, standing, walking, and operating a wheelchair by control subjects and stroke patients in a convalescence ward. Methods: Physical activities were measured using a new triaxial accelerometer system (A-MES;Activity Monitoring and Evaluation System) that consists of two sensors, a station, and analytical software used with a personal computer. In Experiment 1, the times that the healthy subjects (n = 12) spent operating a wheelchair, lying down, sitting, standing, and walking were measured both by the A-MES and by videotaping (video time). In Experiment 2, the amounts of time spent by the stroke patients not able to walk without support (n = 30) as they were lying down, sitting, standing, walking, and operating a wheelchair were measured by the A-MES. Results: The time spent operating a wheelchair measured with the A-MES was significantly correlated with the video time in the healthy subjects. The stroke patients’ average times (minutes) of total, operating a wheelchair, lying down, sitting, standing, and walking were 601.0 ± 18.1, 57.1 ± 28.8, 265.0 ± 86.3, 263.3 ± 60.6, 7.8 ± 7.0, and 7.7 ± 6.0, respectively. Conclusions: The A-MES accurately evaluated the stroke patients’ time spent operating a wheelchair. The stroke patients’ mean time spent operating a wheelchair over the course of one day was 57.1 ± 28.8 min in a Center for Rehabilitation.

Wanting a Life in Decency!—A Qualitative Study from Experienced Electric Wheelchairs Users’ perspective

Background: The functionality and the safety of the electric wheelchairs were essential for users’ everyday life. Some evidence indicated that the wheelchair Per Se highly influenced users’ occupational life, their personal identity and social life;further, the wheelchair became an extension of the body and more than a technical device. Besides, there was still both environmental and self-efficacy or/and mental health factors obstacles for full social participation. Even so, there was to some extent stigma related to being a wheelchair user. There was a need to reflect users’ perspective on being depended on electric wheelchair. The aim, accordingly, was to describe and to get a deeper insight into electric wheelchairs users’ perspective and experiences of utilizing this device;a qualitative design with an inductive approach was used. Method: Qualitative latent and interpretative content analysis [1] [2] was used after repeated face-to-face semi-structured interviews with three experienced Swedish electric wheelchair users during the autumn 2017. Findings: The findings showed a high degree of dependability of the assistants that supported the users, and of the quality of that working relationship. The findings were formulated, abstracted and interpreted in several steps. It showed one theme of meaning: “Living in a space shifting between potential violation of or respect for human dignity”. Conclusion: The study showed that electric wheelchair users were relatively content with their lives as well as with their devices in turns of mobility and accessibility, but the meaning of their narrations showed a life at constant risk of having the respect of human rights and human respect violated. Besides, the importance of having access to good and high quality devices, good staffing, and environmental support, all in concordance with human rights, the clinical and practical implications of this study narrows down to a question of encountering the other person as a whole and worthy individual.

Clothing Needs for Wheelchair Users: A Systematic Literature Review

The aim of this study was to identify the clothing needs of wheelchair users using relevant literatures in a global scale and to design a method to classify the clothing needs into a unified system, in order to generate a map of wheelchair users’ clothing needs with the information from multiple resources. The paper reviewed the previous studies about clothing needs and preference of wheelchair users. A three-tier screening was designed to extract main findings from the relevant literature. Content analysis and statistical analysis were used to integrate the information and identify implications. Information was categorized to represent the attributes of the clothing needs. The paper provides comprehensive insights about the specific barriers and abstract demands about the clothing needs of wheelchair users regarding their preference for apparel products. Eight essential attributes relating to the clothing needs of wheelchair users were identified: functional needs, fit attribute fabric and fiber, safety issue, aesthetic needs, expressive needs, quality of life, and extrinsic attributes. The attributes were classified into two general domains, reflecting the physical challenges and psychological desires of wheelchair users.

Navigation system for a smart wheelchair

Recent results on the development of a navigation system for a smart wheelchair are presented in this paper. In order to reduce the development cost, a modular solution is designed by using commercial and low cost devices. The functionalities of the tracking control system are described. Experimental results of the proposed assistive system are also presented and discussed.

Efficient Body-Transfer Wheelchair for Assisting Functionally Impaired People

Functionally impaired people always have difficulty accomplishing activities of daily living.In this regard,tasks including toileting and bathing have a higher prevalence rate of injuries and greater risk of falling.In this study,a body-transfer wheelchair was developed to assist people in transferring from bed to wheelchair for bathing,and toileting.The bodytransfer wheelchair is a semi-automatic wheelchair that has features such as a controlled leg and backrest,linkage commode slot,and height adjustment.The wheelchair consists of a seat and a main frame that can be detached to enable bathtub transfer.This mechanism lets the user stay on the seat while being transferred into the bathtub without any risk of falling.A linkage mechanism was developed as a part of the seat for ease of toileting.Kinematic and force analysis was conducted to calculate the force required for each actuator.It has been proved by the experimental results that the wheelchair can securely and comfortably transfer a patient from the bed to the toilet or bathtub.A survey has been conducted to evaluate the wheelchair prototype design idea.Two focus groups were chosen:one comprised of functionally impaired people,and the other comprised of caregivers.The results of the survey show that 60%of both functionally impaired people and caregivers would like to use the body-transfer wheelchair for toileting and bathing purpose.Additionally,on average 65%of both focus groups find it convenient to operate the body-transfer wheelchair independently.