BS ISO 16840-12:2021 Wheelchair Seating Envelopment and Immersion Characterization of Seat Cushions Using a Dual Semispherical Indenter

Standard Number: BS ISO 16840-12:2021

Pages: 24

Released: 2021-12-02

ISBN: 978 0 539 14976 0

Status: Standard

Overview

The BS ISO 16840-12:2021 standard is a comprehensive guide that focuses on the envelopment and immersion characterization of wheelchair seat cushions using a dual semispherical indenter. This standard is essential for manufacturers, healthcare professionals, and researchers who are involved in the design, testing, and evaluation of wheelchair seating solutions.

Key Features

• Comprehensive Testing Methodology: This standard provides a detailed methodology for testing the envelopment and immersion characteristics of wheelchair seat cushions, ensuring that they meet the highest standards of comfort and support.
• Dual Semispherical Indenter: The use of a dual semispherical indenter allows for precise measurement of the cushion's ability to envelop and support the user, providing valuable data for improving cushion design.
• 24 Pages of In-Depth Information: With 24 pages of detailed information, this standard covers all aspects of the testing process, from setup to data analysis.
• Released in 2021: As a recently released standard, BS ISO 16840-12:2021 incorporates the latest research and technological advancements in wheelchair seating.
• ISBN 978 0 539 14976 0: Easily reference and locate this standard with its unique ISBN number.

Benefits

Adopting the BS ISO 16840-12:2021 standard offers numerous benefits for both manufacturers and end-users:

• Enhanced Comfort: By following the guidelines in this standard, manufacturers can design seat cushions that provide superior comfort and support, reducing the risk of pressure sores and other seating-related issues.
• Improved Safety: The rigorous testing methods outlined in this standard ensure that seat cushions meet high safety standards, providing peace of mind for users and caregivers.
• Informed Decision-Making: Healthcare professionals can use the data obtained from these tests to make informed decisions about the best seating solutions for their patients.
• Competitive Advantage: Manufacturers who adhere to this standard can differentiate their products in the market, demonstrating their commitment to quality and innovation.

Who Should Use This Standard?

The BS ISO 16840-12:2021 standard is designed for a wide range of stakeholders in the wheelchair seating industry, including:

• Manufacturers: Companies that design and produce wheelchair seat cushions can use this standard to ensure their products meet the highest quality and performance standards.
• Healthcare Professionals: Occupational therapists, physiotherapists, and other healthcare providers can use the guidelines in this standard to recommend the best seating solutions for their patients.
• Researchers: Academics and researchers studying wheelchair seating can use this standard as a reference for their work, ensuring consistency and reliability in their findings.
• Regulatory Bodies: Organizations responsible for setting and enforcing standards in the healthcare industry can use this document to inform their regulations and guidelines.

Detailed Content

The BS ISO 16840-12:2021 standard is divided into several sections, each providing detailed information on different aspects of the testing process:

• Introduction: An overview of the importance of envelopment and immersion characterization in wheelchair seating.
• Scope: Defines the scope of the standard and the specific types of seat cushions it applies to.
• Normative References: Lists other relevant standards and documents that are referenced in this standard.
• Terms and Definitions: Provides clear definitions of key terms used throughout the document.
• Test Apparatus: Detailed specifications for the dual semispherical indenter and other equipment used in the testing process.
• Test Method: Step-by-step instructions for conducting the envelopment and immersion tests, including setup, procedure, and data collection.
• Data Analysis: Guidelines for analyzing the data obtained from the tests, including statistical methods and interpretation of results.
• Reporting: Requirements for documenting and reporting the test results, ensuring transparency and reproducibility.

Conclusion

The BS ISO 16840-12:2021 standard is an invaluable resource for anyone involved in the design, testing, and evaluation of wheelchair seat cushions. By providing a comprehensive methodology for envelopment and immersion characterization, this standard helps ensure that seat cushions offer the highest levels of comfort, support, and safety for wheelchair users. Whether you are a manufacturer, healthcare professional, researcher, or regulatory body, adopting this standard can help you achieve better outcomes and improve the quality of life for wheelchair users.

BS ISO 16840-12:2021

• 11.180.10 Aids and adaptation for moving

This document specifies apparatus, test methods, and disclosure requirements for characterization of wheelchair seat cushion immersion and envelopment properties using indenters instrumented with pressure sensors.

This document expands the characterization of products intended to manage tissue integrity ( ISO 16840-2 ) and provides a standardized indenter for other wheelchair seating tests.

It does not provide information specific to cushion performance for a particular individual user, nor is it intended to characterize envelopment or immersion under higher loading conditions, nor to assess the weight capacity of a cushion.

This document includes a method that is specific to 220 mm and 255 mm indenters. Dimensions are provided for a 380 mm indenter to allow for extension of the method to larger patient simulation.