Electric Wheelchair With Joystick
Joysticks on power wheelchairs can significantly improve the user's independence and make it easier to use. However, standard joysticks may be incompatible with the individualized features of hand impairment.
This study examined the efficacy and satisfaction of custom-designed power wheelchair joysticks that were made using 3D printing technology. The evaluation was conducted using the modified power-mobility assessment (PIDA), National Aeronautics and Space Administration Task Load Index and 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 known as the controller). Joysticks that are standard mount to either the left or right sides of the chair. However, more sophisticated rehab chairs might include swing-away mounts that allow the joystick to be moved into the centre of the seat.
The way that a joystick is installed and used will play an important role in determining whether it can be successful for a particular user. If a person has a lot of tremors it is crucial to design the joystick such that the movements don't trigger the chair inadvertently. Standard EPW joysticks typically use proportional input devices, which 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 several different control options for power wheelchairs that require very minimal force to activate. Switch controls, sip-and-puff controls, head arrays, and chin controls are all available. Certain of these control systems require an additional interface to connect to the wheelchair. However, many of them work with new joysticks that incorporate Bluetooth into the handles.
Some wheelchair joysticks are equipped with screens to display the status of the system, and to provide feedback to the users. This can be especially beneficial for those who are visually or cognitively impaired. 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 employed the joystick will be as effective as the user is comfortable to use. It is therefore essential to consider the size of the buttons and their location on a joystick in order to make them easily accessible. Also, it is essential to consider the sensitivities of the joystick, which can be adjusted to a range of levels according to the requirements of each client.
Comfort
A joystick-controlled wheelchair comes with many advantages that manual chairs do not offer. They reduce fatigue due to operational factors and are able to travel further than manually operated chairs. They can be utilized in areas that have less space or more difficult terrain like outdoor slopes and uneven surfaces. This additional freedom allows users to experience a new freedom of movement and a feeling of independence.
There are a variety of power wheelchairs available each with its distinct features. The amount of bells and whistles available on a specific model will depend on the needs of the user and desires. A few of the most common features include:
Controls on an electric bariatric wheelchair (
this) wheelchair equipped with a joysticks can be modified to meet the needs of each individual. This includes the type and position of the knob, ball, or handle. Some joysticks are located at the end of the armrests of the driver's seat and others are positioned in the front or back of the seat to make it easier for the an attendant to reach. They may also be mounted on the sides of the seat for those with limited shoulder mobility or muscle weakness.
Other features can be more customized, such as the style and size of the joystick screen. Some are backlit or in the color of a display that is more accessible for those with poor vision. Other models provide auxiliary modes that offer audio or visual clues to aid in navigation. Other models could include clocks, odometers and indicators of battery charge.
A joystick's ability to maneuver in a small turning radius is also crucial. The best models will have a precise turning radius, which makes it easier to navigate obstacles in
small electric wheel chair spaces, such as hallways. The tight turning radius also makes it easier to maneuver in public areas and stores. This radius of tight turning is especially useful for people who suffer from mobility issues like cerebral palsy, MS, ALS Huntington's disease, spinal cord injury or brainstem stroke.
Safety
Power wheelchairs are designed with safety in mind. They are equipped with reliable brake systems that can reduce speed swiftly when the user presses the joystick control lever. They also have anti-tip wheels in the rear to stop the chair from sliding backward.
The most popular type of joystick is a proportional control, which is similar to car accelerator pedals and video game controllers in that the more the joystick moves away from its center the faster the wheelchair moves. These types of joysticks need proprioception as well as finger dexterity to operate effectively. A standard joystick is usually placed on the armrest, however, a variety of specific controls are available that mount the control in the middle or at the sides of the seat.
Certain people might not have enough muscle strength to deflect a joystick handle even with the aid of special rigging. This is the case for some people who have spasticity, which can cause muscles to become stiff or even die (atrophy). In these instances the use of a head control unit that transforms the movement of the head of the user into the needed instructions for the wheelchair may be a better choice.
The size and location of the buttons on the joystick is another factor to be considered. If the buttons are too far forward or hard to reach, they can hinder the position of the user, and cause stress on the hands. If the joystick is placed too far back, it may be difficult to maneuver the chair or turn the wheels.
Finally, an electric wheelchair should always be used with a seatbelt secured. Seatbelts should 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 help them to last longer and maintain their effectiveness. You should also have your chair maintained regularly to ensure that all parts are functioning properly.
Accessories
The joystick is a major element of any power wheelchair, and there are numerous accessories that can be added to boost its capabilities. They can range from basic switches to more sophisticated interfaces that connect to communication devices and even external environmental control units. Higher-end power wheelchairs will often include a variety of controller components that can satisfy the requirements of various clients. For instance, a non-expandable controller will typically accept the proportional joystick as an input device. However, an expandable controller will also allow for sip and puff controls, specialty switches and head array systems. Some of the more advanced controllers can also operate up to 2 power seating actuators, which are able to adjust the 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 type of joystick like accelerator pedals for 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 when the stick is moved away from the center. This requires a fair amount of proprioception intact and dexterity for efficient use.
