Electric Wheelchair With Joystick
Joysticks on power wheelchairs may increase their ease of use and independence. Standard joysticks are not able to be able to accommodate the unique characteristics of hand disorders.
This study examined the efficacy and satisfaction of customized power wheelchair joysticks fabricated with 3D printing technology. The evaluation was conducted using the modified power-mobility assessment (PIDA), National Aeronautics and Space Administration Task Load Index, and the Psychosocial Impact of Assistive Devices Scale.
Control
The control system of a power wheelchair comprises two important aspects that are the joystick and electronics (also called the controller). Joysticks that are standard are placed on the left or the right side of the wheelchair, whereas more advanced rehab chairs feature swing-away mounts that permit the joystick to move into the middle of the seat.
The manner in which a joystick can be placed and operated will play an important role in determining if it will be successful for a particular customer. For example, if an individual suffers from severe tremors, it is crucial to ensure the joystick is designed such a way that the movements will not trigger accidental activations of the chair. Standard EPW joysticks utilize proportional input devices that react to the deflection amount of the gimbal in order to control the chair's movements (similar to an electronic game controller or automobile accelerator pedal).
There are many alternatives to controlling power wheelchairs, which require a minimum of force to activate. Switch controls, sip-and puff controls as well as head arrays and chin controls are all accessible. While some of these specialty controls require an additional interface to connect them to the wheelchair, many are compatible with the latest generation of joysticks that have integrated Bluetooth into their handles.
Some standard wheelchair joysticks even have a screen on them to display the status of the system and provide feedback to the user. This is particularly beneficial for people with visual or cognitive impairments. Certain advanced joysticks are able to control a wide range of accessories that include environmental controls, a TV and tablet.
No matter what technology is used, a joystick can only be as effective as the user is comfortable to use. For this reason, it is essential to consider the size and location of the joystick's buttons to ensure they are easy to access. Also, it is essential to consider the sensitivities of the joystick, which can be adjusted to a variety of levels depending on the requirements of each user.
Comfort
A joystick-controlled powerchair offers many benefits that aren't offered by manual chairs. They can reduce fatigue caused by operational factors and can travel for longer distances than manual chairs. Additionally, they can be used in locations that are smaller and have more difficult terrain than a manual wheelchair such as outdoor slopes or uneven surfaces. With this added independence users will experience a freedom of movement that breathes new life into their lives and reminds users of the feeling to be independent once more.
A variety of different power wheelchairs are offered with many options. The number of bells and whistles included on the particular model will be contingent on the requirements of the user and their desires. Some of the most common features include:
Controls that can be customized on an electric wheelchair equipped with a joystick is possible to satisfy the individual's needs. This includes the kind of knob or handle, or ball, and how it is mounted. Some joysticks are mounted on the top of the armrest that is dominant, while others are situated on the front or back of the seat to facilitate access by an attendant. Certain joysticks can be placed on the side of the seat for those who have limited shoulder mobility or a weakness in their muscles.
Other features are more personalised, such as the style and size of the joystick's display. Some models are backlit or have the color of the screen, which makes it easier for those with poor vision to read. Some models also have additional modes that provide audio or visual cues for navigation. They also have clocks, odometers, as well as indicators of battery charge.
Another crucial aspect of the joystick is how it can be maneuvered in an area with a tight turning radius. The most effective models will have a narrow turning radius, making it easier to maneuver around obstacles and narrow spaces, such as hallways. This radius of tight turning makes it easier to navigate in public areas and stores. This tight turning circle is particularly beneficial for those suffering from mobility issues, such as cerebral palsy, or other mobility issues, like multiple sclerosis, ALS and Huntington's disease, spinal cord injury or brainstem stroke.
Safety
Power wheelchairs are designed with safety in mind. They have braking systems that are reliable that can reduce speed quickly when the consumer depresses the joystick control lever. They also have anti-tip wheels in the rear that keep the chair from slipping backward.
The most common type of joystick is a proportional control, which is similar to automobile accelerator pedals and video game controllers in that the more the joystick moves away from center the more quickly the wheelchair moves. These types of joysticks require intact proprioception and finger dexterity in order to operate effectively. A standard joystick is placed on the armrest however, a variety of special controls are available to mount the controls in the middle or on the side of the seat.
Even with special rigging, certain people may not be able to deflect the handle. This is the case for those who have spasticity, which can here cause muscles to stiffen or waste away (atrophy). In these instances it is possible to use a head-control device that converts the movements of the consumer's body into the appropriate commands for the wheelchair.
The size and location of the joystick's buttons is another aspect to be considered. If the buttons are too far to the left or difficult to reach, it could alter the user's sitting position and cause strain on their hands. If the joystick is too far back, it could be difficult to move the chair or turn the wheels.
Additionally, an electric chair is best used with a seatbelt secured. The most powerful wheelchairs can reach speeds of up to 8 miles per hour and a seatbelt that is not fastened can result in serious injuries or even death. It is also essential to charge batteries frequently, and every at night, if you can. This will ensure an extended life span and will maintain their efficiency. It's also an excellent idea to schedule regular maintenance for your chair to make sure all parts are working properly.
Accessories
The joystick is a key element of any power wheelchair and there are numerous accessories that may be added to improve its performance. These range from simple switches to more sophisticated interfaces that connect to communication devices, or external environmental control units. Higher-end power wheelchairs will often have a variety of controller components that can meet the needs of different clients. For instance an unexpandable controller will typically accept a proportional joystick for an input device while an expandable controller can allow for puff and sip controls, special switches and head array systems. Some advanced controllers can also operate up to 2 power seating actuators, which are able to adjust the seat's position and tilt of the seat.
The most popular type of joystick that is prescribed in clinics is a proportional joystick, also known as a movement-sensing joystick. This kind of joystick, similar to accelerator pedals in cars and video game controllers responds to the force that is exerted on the stick by increasing its output (i.e. The speed of the wheelchair increases as the stick moves away from the center. This requires a lot of dexterity and intact proprioception for efficient use.
Although the technology used today can compensate for small magnitude movements that occur in EPW driving but it is not able to recognize and adapt to many more severe unintentional movements, like those caused by greater magnitude tremors or other involuntary movements that are not associated with conscious intent like athetosis.5 In the meantime, until we develop and implement new technologies that can reliably detect and adapt to these kinds of unintentional movements, a lot of sufferers with diseases such as athetosis, MS, ALS or spinal cord injuries won't be able safely to use an electric power chair.
Most wheelchairs have a range of parameters that can be programmed and customized usually with the assistance of a clinician. These parameters include changing the torque produced by the motor and altering the speed of the chair. They can be used to set the dead zone, which is the amount of time that the EPW will not produce an output. Some controllers also allow the clinician to store backup programs. This is beneficial in an emergency situation or if a patient's symptoms alter.