Electric Wheelchair With Joystick
Joysticks on power wheelchairs can significantly improve accessibility and independence. However, standard joysticks may lack accommodation of individualized features of hand dysfunction.
This study evaluated the effectiveness and satisfaction of custom-designed power wheelchair Joysticks manufactured with 3D printing. Modified power-mobility indoor driving assessment (PIDA), National Aeronautics and Space Administration task load index, and the psychosocial impact of assistive devices scale were used for evaluation.
Control
The control system of a power chair comprises two key components which are the joystick as well as the electronics (also called the controller). The standard joysticks are usually mounted to either the left or right sides of the chair, whereas more advanced rehab chairs could feature swing-away mounts that allow the joystick to be moved to the centre of the seat.
The manner in which a joystick can be installed and used will play an important role in determining if it will be effective for a specific customer. If a user has a lot of tremors it is important to design the joystick such that the movements don't cause the chair to move accidentally. The standard EPW joysticks are typically proportional input devices that respond to the amount of deflection of the gimbal to determine the direction of the chair (similar to an automobile accelerator pedal or video game controller).
There are many alternatives to control options for power wheelchairs, which require very little force to activate. These include switch controls, sip and puff controls as well as head array systems and chin controls. While some of these controls require a separate interface to connect them to the wheelchair, a lot are compatible with the latest generation of joysticks that have incorporated Bluetooth into their handles.
Some wheelchair joysticks are equipped with screens that display the state of the system and to provide feedback to the users. This can be especially beneficial for those who are cognitively or visually impaired. Some advanced joysticks can control many different accessories such as the TV, environmental controls and tablet.
No matter what technology is used, a joystick can only be as useful as it is easy for the user to operate. It is therefore crucial to consider the size of the buttons as well as their location on the joystick to make them easy to access. It is also essential to consider the joystick's sensitivity which can be adjusted to a range of levels depending on the specific needs of the user.
Comfort
A joystick-controlled power wheelchair provides many advantages that aren't available with manual chairs. They reduce fatigue due to operational issues and can travel for longer distances than manually operated chairs. They can be utilized in areas with limited space or more difficult terrain like slopes outdoors and uneven surfaces. This increased freedom allows users to experience a new freedom of movement and feeling of independence.
There are numerous different power wheelchairs on the market, each with their distinct characteristics. The number of bells and whistles on a specific model will depend on the needs of the user and wants. A few of the most commonly used features are:
Controls that can be customized on an electric chair with a joystick is possible to satisfy the individual's needs. This includes the design and location of the ball, knob, or handle. Some joysticks are placed at the opposite side of the dominant armrest, while others are situated either on the back or front of the seat for easy access by an attendant. They can also be positioned on the sides of the seat for people with limited shoulder range or muscle weakness.
Other features are more personal to you like the size and shape of the joystick display screen. Some are backlit, or in colors that are more accessible for those with poor vision. Other models have auxiliary modes that offer visual or audio cues to help navigate. They can also offer clocks, odometers, as well as indicators of battery charge.
A joystick's ability to maneuver within a narrow turning radius is also essential. The most effective models will have a small turning radius, which makes it easier to maneuver around obstacles and narrow spaces, such as hallways. The narrow radius makes it easier to maneuver in public areas and stores. This tight turning circle is particularly useful for people who have mobility issues, like cerebral palsy or other issues with mobility such as multiple sclerosis, ALS and Huntington's disease, spinal cord injury or brainstem stroke.
Safety
Power wheelchairs have been made with safety in mind as a top priority. They have braking systems that are reliable that can reduce speed quickly when the consumer depresses the joystick control lever. The chairs also have anti-tip rear wheels that stop the chair from tipping forward.
The most popular type of joystick is a proportional control, which is similar to accelerator pedals as well as video game controllers in that the more the joystick moves away from center, the faster the wheelchair moves. These joysticks require finger dexterity and a healthy sense of proprioception. A standard joystick is usually mounted on the armrest, however, a variety of specialty controls are available that put the controls in the middle or at the sides of the seat.
Even with special rigging, some people might not be able deflect the handle. This could be the case for some people who have spasticity, which can cause muscles to stiffen or waste away (atrophy). In these cases it is possible to use a head control device that transforms the movement of the consumer's head into the required command for the wheelchair might be a better choice.
The size and location of the buttons on the joystick is another aspect to be considered. If the buttons are far in the front or difficult to reach, they can interfere with the position of the user and create a strain on the hands. If the joystick is placed too far back, it could be difficult to maneuver the chair or turn the wheels.
Finally, an electric wheelchair is best used with a seatbelt secured. Seatbelts must always be fastened when using an electric wheelchair. The fastest wheelchairs can travel as fast as 8mph. Batteries must be charged regularly and preferably every night. This will allow them to live longer and ensure their efficiency. It's also an excellent idea to schedule regular maintenance for your chair to ensure all components are functioning properly.
Accessories
Joysticks are the most important component of power wheelchairs and can be upgraded by a variety of accessories. These range from simple switches to more advanced interfaces that can connect to communication devices or even external environmental control units. A more expensive power wheelchair will often have a variety of controller components that can be utilised and configured to meet the needs of a particular user. A non-expandable controller will only accept the proportional stick as an input device, while an expandable one will also accept sip and puff control, special switches, as well as head array systems. Some of the more advanced controllers are able to operate up to 2 power seating more info actuators that are able to adjust the position and tilt of the seat.
The most commonly used type of joystick that is prescribed in clinics is a proportional joystick also known as a motion-sensing joystick. This type of joystick responds the force by boosting output (i.e. The speed of the wheelchair increases as the stick is moved away from the center. This requires a lot of dexterity and intact proprioception for effective use.
Although the technology used today can be used to compensate for small magnitude movements that occur in EPW driving, it is still unable to recognize and adjust to more severe, unintentional movements, like those caused by larger involuntary or amplitude tremors that are not accompanied by conscious intent, like athetosis.5 As long as we don't develop and implement new technologies that are able to reliably detect and adjust to these types of unintentional movement, many people suffering from conditions such as athetosis, MS, ALS or spinal cord injuries will not be able to safely use an electric power chair.
Most wheelchairs can be customized and programmed with the assistance of a clinician. These parameters include changing the torque produced by the motor, adjusting the speed at which the chair moves and setting the dead zone, which is the distance within which the EPW cannot produce an output. Some controllers also have the ability to store backup programs which are handy for a doctor to have in case of an emergency or for clients with varying symptoms.