In the field of medical assistive devices, manual wheel chairs are widely used as a kind of mobile assistive device, which is widely used in various groups such as the elderly, people with physical disabilities, and postoperative rehabilitation. Manual wheelchairs occupy the mainstream position in the wheelchair market due to their simple structure, moderate price, and easy control. One of the most concerned issues for users when purchasing and using manual wheel chairs is their service life.
So, what is the service life of manual wheelchairs? What are the factors that affect their service life? How to scientifically extend their service life? This article will conduct an in-depth analysis from multiple aspects such as structural composition, material selection, frequency of use, and maintenance, and systematically answer questions related to the service life of manual wheel chairs.
What are the basic structures of manual wheel chairs?
To explore the service life of manual wheel chairs, we first need to understand the structural composition and working principle of manual wheel chairs. Manual wheel chairs are mainly composed of the following core parts:
● Frame structure: including main frame, crossbeam, support rod, etc., generally made of aluminum alloy, steel or carbon fiber materials.
● Seat back system: including seat cushion, backrest, armrest and other parts, which are directly related to the user's comfort.
● Tire system: the front wheel is usually a small wheel, the rear wheel is a large wheel, and the rear wheel is equipped with a hand ring for the user to drive it by himself.
● Brake system: used to control the wheelchair to stop or fix the position on the slope.
● Pedal system: used to support the feet, some models can be folded or disassembled.
The operation of manual wheel chairs depends entirely on the user's manual push of the rear wheel or the assistance of others. It does not contain electric components, so its maintenance complexity is lower than that of electric wheelchairs, but it also relies more on the precision and durability of mechanical components.
What factors affect the service life of manual wheel chairs?
1. Material determines durability
The material of manual wheel chairs directly affects its structural stability and service life. Common materials on the market include:
● Steel manual wheel chairs: affordable and strong in structure, but heavy and weak in corrosion resistance.
● Aluminum alloy manual wheel chairs: light and corrosion-resistant, suitable for frequent users, with a long service life.
● Carbon fiber manual wheel chairs: extremely light and strong, usually used in high-end products, with a long life but high cost.
High-quality materials can significantly extend the life of manual wheelchairs, otherwise the wheelchair may be scrapped prematurely due to corrosion, fatigue or breakage.
2. Frequency of use and environmental conditions
The frequency of use of manual wheel chairs directly determines the wear rate of its components. High-frequency users, such as those who use wheelchairs outdoors for many hours a day, wear their wheelchairs much faster than users who only use them occasionally indoors.
In addition, the use environment is also crucial. For example:
● Dry indoor environment: less wear and tear on the wheelchair.
● Humid or dusty environment: prone to problems such as rust of components, axle blockage, and brake failure.
● Rough roads: aggravate the fatigue of wheels and brackets and shorten the service life.
Therefore, a good use environment and moderate use frequency are the basic guarantees for maintaining the long-term use of manual wheel chairs.
3. Maintenance frequency and quality
Proper maintenance is the key to ensure the long-term use of manual wheel chairs. Routine maintenance includes:
● Regularly check the frame connection points to prevent screws from loosening and welds from cracking.
● Lubricate the axles and bearings to ensure smooth wheelchair movement and avoid jamming.
● Clean the fabric cover and backrest to prevent bacteria growth and extend the life of the fabric.
● Check the brake sensitivity to ensure driving safety.
● Replace worn parts such as tires, armrests, and pedals.
If properly maintained, the overall life of manual wheel chairs will be significantly extended. Ignoring routine maintenance may cause structural damage and pose a safety hazard.
What is the service life of manual wheelchairs?
The service life of different types of manual wheelchairs:
1. Standard manual wheel chairs (3-5 years)
2. Light manual wheel chairs (5-7 years)
3. Folding manual wheel chairs (3-4 years)
4. High-end customized manual wheel chairs (more than 8 years)
1. Standard manual wheel chairs
This type of wheelchair has a simple structure and is suitable for indoor and short-distance use. It is usually made of steel. If it is used moderately and maintained properly, its average service life is 3-5 years. If it is used frequently or in a bad environment, its service life may be shortened to about 2 years.
2. Light manual wheel chairs
Made of aluminum alloy, it is light and easy to carry and is widely used for short-distance outdoor travel. With reasonable use and good maintenance, its service life can reach 5-7 years.
3. Folding manual wheel chairs
This type of wheelchair can be folded and stored, but because there are many moving parts in the structure, it is easy to loosen. If it is folded frequently and maintained improperly, its lifespan is generally 3-4 years, and can be extended to about 6 years with proper maintenance.
4. High-end customized manual wheel chairs
Made of high-end materials such as carbon fiber and titanium alloy, they are usually professional sports or special medical purposes. This type of manual wheel chair has a stable structure and strong fatigue resistance, and its normal service life can exceed 8 years.
How to scientifically extend the service life of manual wheelchairs?
1. Correct use
● Avoid violent impact or high-speed downhill use;
● Do not overload and strictly abide by the maximum load-bearing standard;
● Avoid crossing uneven ground such as gravel roads or high ridges during the implementation process.
2. Regular comprehensive inspection
It is recommended to conduct a basic inspection once a month, including whether the bolts are loose, whether the axle is stuck, and whether the tire is leaking. At the same time, a comprehensive inspection is carried out once a year, and a professional maintenance personnel will conduct structural inspections when necessary.
3. Cleaning and maintenance should be in place
After use, dust, sand and rain should be cleaned in time, especially after going out on rainy days, the frame and tires should be dried immediately to prevent rust. At the same time, avoid long-term direct sunlight to reduce the aging speed of seat fabrics.
4. Reasonable storage
When not in use, manual wheel chairs should be placed in a dry and ventilated place and covered with a dust cover to prevent dust and moisture in the air from affecting the wheelchair structure.
The impact of accessory replacement on service life
During the use of manual wheel chairs, some accessories such as tires, brake pads, seat cushions, etc. will experience natural wear. Regular replacement of these detachable accessories can not only maintain comfort and safety, but also delay the end of the vehicle life.
For example:
● Excessive tire wear will affect steering performance and driving efficiency, and should be replaced every 1-2 years;
● Collapse or damage to the seat cushion can easily lead to poor sitting posture and pressure sores, and should be replaced in time;
● Brake failure is not only a safety hazard, but also accelerates the wear of the frame.
Therefore, under the premise that the whole vehicle is not scrapped, the service life of manual wheelchairs can be significantly extended by replacing the worn parts in time.
What kind of hospital beds do you manufacture?
We produce a wide variety of manual and electric hospital beds including adjustable ICU beds, nursing beds, and homecare beds. Each bed is designed with safety and comfort in mind and can be customized with side rails, castors, remote controls, and other accessories. Our beds are manufactured at low cost without compromising on high quality, making them ideal for wholesale buyers and hospital projects.