Shock absorption performance test of elderly three-wheeled scooters

Shock absorption performance test of elderly three-wheeled scooters: the key to ensuring the comfort and safety of elderly travel

Introduction
With the intensification of the global aging trend, the market demand for elderly three-wheeled scooters continues to grow. For international wholesale buyers, it is crucial to choose an elderly three-wheeled scooter with excellent shock absorption performance, because it is directly related to the travel comfort and safety of elderly users. This article will explore in depth various aspects of the shock absorption performance test of elderly three-wheeled scooters.

1. The importance of shock absorption performance of elderly three-wheeled scooters
Improve riding comfort: The elderly are more sensitive to bumps due to the decline in physical function. Good shock absorption performance can effectively reduce the vibration generated by the vehicle during driving, so that the elderly can enjoy a more stable and comfortable ride experience when traveling, and reduce physical fatigue.
Ensure driving safety: When the road conditions are poor, such as potholes, gravel roads, etc., a high-quality shock absorption system can maintain the stability of the vehicle and prevent the vehicle from losing control or overturning due to excessive vibration, thereby ensuring the driving safety of the elderly.
Extend vehicle service life: Continuous vibration will cause impact and wear on various parts of the vehicle. An effective shock absorption system can reduce the damage caused by vibration to components such as the frame, seats, and tires, reduce the maintenance cost of the vehicle, and extend its service life.

2. Common shock absorption methods and principles of elderly three-wheeled scooters
Hydraulic shock absorption: Use the flow of oil to absorb vibration energy. When the vehicle is vibrated, the piston in the hydraulic shock absorber moves up and down, forcing the oil to flow through small holes or gaps, thereby generating resistance, converting vibration energy into heat energy and dissipating it, achieving a shock absorption effect. Its advantages are good shock absorption and a smooth driving experience, but the cost is relatively high and maintenance is more complicated.
Spring shock absorption: Buffer vibrations through the elastic deformation of the spring. When the vehicle is bumpy, the spring is compressed or stretched, storing elastic potential energy, and then gradually released, thereby reducing the impact of vibration on the vehicle body. The spring shock absorption structure is simple and the cost is low, but the shock absorption effect is relatively weak, and it may not be effective enough when dealing with large vibrations.
Rubber shock absorption: Rubber materials have good elasticity and damping properties, and can absorb and dissipate vibration energy. Rubber shock absorption is usually used in the support wheels or connecting parts of the vehicle, and plays a certain role in shock absorption and buffering. It has low cost and convenient maintenance, but the shock absorption performance is greatly affected by environmental factors such as temperature.

3. Test method and equipment for shock absorption performance of elderly three-wheeled scooters
Power test: The shock absorber is tested by the shock absorber performance tester to measure the resistance characteristics of the shock absorber at different speeds and loads. During the test, the shock absorber is installed on the tester to simulate various working conditions during vehicle driving, so that the shock absorber moves back and forth, and the relationship curve between the resistance generated and the speed and displacement is recorded. According to the curve, the shock absorber’s shock absorption effect, damping characteristics and other performance indicators can be evaluated to determine whether it meets the design requirements and usage standards.
Friction test: This test is mainly used to detect the friction of the shock absorber during movement. Excessive friction will affect the normal operation of the shock absorber, reduce the shock absorption effect, and even cause faults such as shock absorber jamming. Using professional friction testing equipment, the friction between the piston and cylinder of the shock absorber is measured and analyzed to ensure the smooth movement of the shock absorber.
Temperature characteristic test: Since the performance of the shock absorber will change when it is used in different temperature environments. The temperature characteristic test simulates extreme temperature conditions such as high temperature and low temperature, places the shock absorber in a specific temperature environment, and after a certain period of insulation, tests various indicators of its shock absorption performance, such as resistance and damping coefficient. Through the test, we can understand the adaptability and stability of the shock absorber at different temperatures, and provide a basis for product selection and application.
Fatigue life test: The shock absorber will be subjected to repeated vibration and impact during the driving process of the vehicle, so its fatigue life is one of the important indicators to measure the quality of the shock absorber. Electric tricycle shock absorber fatigue performance testing machine and other equipment can perform fatigue life tests on the shock absorber, simulate the vibration frequency, amplitude and load conditions of the vehicle in actual driving, and perform long-term reciprocating cycle loading tests on the shock absorber. During the test, the deformation, cracks and other damage of the shock absorber are monitored in real time, and its fatigue life times are recorded to evaluate the reliability and durability of the shock absorber.
Vibration table test: The entire elderly three-wheeled scooter is placed on the vibration table, and the vibration table is used to simulate different road conditions and vibration frequencies to conduct a comprehensive vibration test on the vehicle. The vibration table can generate various vibration waveforms such as sine waves and random waves according to the set program to simulate various complex road conditions that the vehicle may encounter during driving, such as urban roads, rural roads, rugged mountain roads, etc. During the test, the vibration response of various parts of the vehicle can be measured, including parameters such as acceleration and displacement of the frame, seat, handlebars, etc., and the riding experience of the elderly simulated dummy can be observed, so as to comprehensively evaluate the overall shock absorption performance of the vehicle.

4. Test case analysis
Case 1: A certain brand of elderly three-wheeled scooter uses a hydraulic shock absorption system. During the dynamometer test, it was found that its resistance in the low-speed section was large, resulting in unsatisfactory shock absorption effect of the vehicle when starting and driving at low speed, and lack of ride comfort. After analyzing and adjusting the structure and oil viscosity of the hydraulic shock absorber, the performance of the shock absorber was optimized, making its resistance characteristics at different speeds more reasonable, and improving the shock absorption performance and ride comfort of the vehicle.
Case 2: Another elderly three-wheeled scooter uses a spring shock absorption system. In the vibration table test, simulating bumpy road conditions, it was found that when the vehicle vibrates at high frequencies, the body shakes more obviously, and the aftershock time is longer, which affects the riding experience of the elderly. By adding damping elements such as rubber pads or oil dampers to the spring shock absorption system, the damping effect of the shock absorption system is improved, the shaking and aftershock of the body are effectively suppressed, and the stability of the vehicle when driving on bumpy roads is improved.

5. How to choose a suitable shock absorption system based on test results
Clear requirements and budget: Different usage scenarios have different requirements for shock absorption performance. If the elderly tricycle is mainly used on flat roads in the city and the budget is limited, a spring shock absorption system or a rubber shock absorption system may be a more economical and practical choice; if the vehicle needs to frequently travel on rural or mountainous roads with poor road conditions, a hydraulic shock absorption system can provide better shock absorption effect, but the cost is relatively high.
Comprehensively consider performance indicators: According to the shock absorption performance test results, focus on key performance indicators such as the resistance characteristics, damping coefficient, fatigue life of the shock absorber, and the overall vibration response of the vehicle in the vibration table test. Select a shock absorption system with stable and reliable shock absorption performance that meets the requirements of the target use scenario. At the same time, factors such as the weight, size, and installation convenience of the shock absorption system should also be considered to ensure that it matches the overall design and structure of the vehicle.
Reference user feedback and market reputation: Understand the user feedback and market reputation of the elderly tricycle users on the market, especially the evaluation of the vehicle’s shock absorption performance. This can help buyers have a more comprehensive understanding of the actual shock absorption effect of vehicles of different brands and models, as well as possible problems and deficiencies, so as to make a more informed choice.

6. Conclusion
The shock absorption performance test of the elderly tricycle is an important part of ensuring product quality, meeting the needs of elderly users and improving market competitiveness. By adopting scientific and reasonable testing methods and equipment, a comprehensive performance evaluation of the shock absorption system can help international wholesale buyers choose the products that best suit market needs. In the future, with the continuous advancement and innovation of technology, it is believed that the shock absorption performance of the elderly tricycle will be further improved, providing a more comfortable and safe travel experience for the elderly.