Innovative brakes for wheelchairs – enhancement of safety and mobility 

Brakes keep the wheelchair users safe, by ensuring the wheelchair stays stationary and does not move unintentionally. To make that happen, wheelchair brakes manufacturers use modern production technologies and comply with the safety standards applicable in the medical field. 

What technologies are used in the production of innovative brakes for wheelchairs? 

High quality wheelchair brakes are manufactured with the use of such production methods as turning, welding, milling, bending, and laser cutting. 

Turning 

Turning is a production process that uses a cutting tool which removes material from a workpiece while it rotates around an axis. It offers great precision in the creation of internal and external surfaces. With the use of turning it is possible to obtain end products with a good surface finish and high tolerances. 

Welding 

Welding is a fabrication process utilized to join metals or thermoplastics. It uses high heat to melt the parts together, causing fusion. With welding it is possible to create the most optimal solutions that meet the demands of increasingly challenging applications, including wheelchair components, such as brakes. 

Milling

Milling is a manufacturing process that uses a cutting tool mounted on a rotating spindle. It allows selective removal of material from a block of raw substrate and can produce wheelchair parts, including wheelchair brakes, in a variety of shapes, using various materials and designs. Milling offers accuracy and precision, as well as reliability and consistent quality due to the repeatability of production. 

Bending 

Bending is a process that consists of deforming metal by applying force to it. The workpiece is positioned over the die block which is later pressed to form a shape. As a result the metal is bent at an angle and forms a ‘V’ or a ‘U’ shape. With the use of bending it is possible to make a workpiece from one piece of material. It removes the need for joints and in turn reduces time, errors, complexity, and failure points. 

Laser cutting 

Laser cutting technology uses high-powered laser beam to slice different types of metals with great speed and precision. The beam is directed towards the surface of the material in order to melt or vaporize it to create a clean, definite cut. Laser cutting technology enables creation of high quality customized medical equipment, including wheelchair brakes and other wheelchair parts. 

How did the new technologies affect the safety and comfort of the wheelchair user? 

The use of new technologies in the production process led to a huge improvement in terms of the safety of wheelchairs. The parts, including brakes, are of high quality, show big resistance to the signs of wear and tear caused by active usage, and allow for injury-free exploitation. Moreover, due to the implementation of new technologies it is possible to personalize the wheelchair parts and adjust them to the individual needs of each user – their condition, general state of health, and the conditions in which the wheelchair is supposed to be used. In short, the production techniques, such as turning and welding, can greatly improve the safety and mobility of disabled people, increase their independence, and lead to social inclusion, which is beneficial for their mental health. 

Why should the wheelchair brakes hold safety certificates? 

Brakes are relevant to wheelchair safety and significantly influence the security of disabled people. In order to make sure they work properly and are, in fact, safe to use, it is important to verify whether they hold necessary safety certificates. All wheelchair brake parts manufactured in compliance with strict regulations and standards applicable in the field of medical devices should conform to the requirements of ISO 9001 and ISO 13485.