Brakes - R Healthcare Dash Series Technical Information Manual

Damaged hand rims can be a cause of injury to the user, and should be replaced if they have been
scuffed to an extent where sharp edges, such as may be caused by scuffing, are in contact with
the propelling occupant hand. Continual handrim damage over a short period may be an indication
of an environment or Accessibility concern. This should be noted and referred for review and
assessment by the rehabilitation engineer or professional.
Attendant propelled Dash chairs have injection moulded 315mm (12.5 inches) diameter QD
wheels, all with puncture free polyurethane tyres. These wheels and tyres are relatively
maintenance free, they are ideal for occasional use situations, when the chair may be used less
frequently, and eliminate the need for tyre pressure checks. Under normal circumstances, this
wheel will last for many years.
It has been our experience that wheels on chairs used as occupant seats in vehicles in conjunction
with WTORS (wheelchair tie down occupant restraint systems) are soften subjected to additional
loads due to the excessive force applied by clamps. Service staff should be aware of this, and look
for signs of premature buckling or distortion, which may demand wheel replacement and corrective
action with regard to the area of application.
Dash frames accommodate either
occupant or attendant propelled wheel
position options. The rear wheel mounting
is an injection moulded unit with a fixed
spindle receiver tube integrated into it,
and fits snugly around the rear frame
tube, and accepts the QD spindle of both
attendant and occupant propelled wheels.
This mounting unit has two screwed fixing
points for M6 cap head screws.
Wheel mounting units may require
replacement during the life of the chair, if
the usage levels are demanding, and are
available as spares.
8.0

BRAKES :

All Dash wheelchairs have the same specification clamp on brakes, LH and RH, for round tube, with
an adjustable mounting arm which allows accurate positioning to suit the tyre and wheelchair build
configuration. The brake shoe is a knurled cylinder which provides efficient tyre contact to prevent
wheel rotation.
Correct setting of the brake is with the shoe acting on the surface of the tyre sufficient to hold the
occupied wheelchair on an 8 degree slope in all directions.
Care should be taken when positioning the brake not to make it impinge to such an extent into the
tyre surface, that it makes a permanent deep depression, or causes excessive strain on the brake
operation, as this may result in loss of braking function over a period of use. The brakes fitted to a
basic Dash are parking brakes, to be applied when the chair is not in motion.
R Healthcare Technical Information Manual - Dash Page 22 March 2007 Revision B