Electric Wheelchair With Joystick
Joysticks in power wheelchairs can significantly increase independence and ease of use. However, standardized joysticks can not accommodate the specific needs of hand disorders.
This study evaluated the efficacy and satisfaction of custom-designed power wheelchair joysticks that were made using 3D printing technology. Modified power-mobility indoor driving assessment (PIDA), National Aeronautics and Space Administration task load index, and psychosocial impact of assistive devices scale were employed for evaluation.
Control
The control system of a power chair includes two important elements: the joystick and the electronic. Joysticks that are standard are placed on either the left or right side of the wheelchair, whereas more sophisticated rehab chairs come with swing-away mounts that permit the joystick to move to the middle of the seat.
The way that a joystick is placed and operated will play a crucial role in determining if it will be a success for a specific customer. If a client is prone to tremors, it is important to design the joystick in a way that the movements do not activate the chair accidentally. The standard EPW joysticks typically use proportional input devices that react to the amount of deflection on the gimbal in order to regulate the movement of the chair (similar to an accelerator pedal or video game controller).
However, there are now several different control options for power wheelchairs that require very minimal force to activate. Controls for switches, sip-and-puff, head arrays, and the chin controls are all there. While some of these special controls require a separate interface to connect them to the wheelchair, most are compatible with the new generation of joysticks that have integrated Bluetooth into their handles.
A few standard wheelchair joysticks come with screens to display the state of the system and also to give feedback to users. This is especially beneficial for those who are cognitively or visually impaired. Some advanced joysticks can control many different accessories that include televisions, environmental controls and tablet.
No matter what technology is used, a joystick is only useful if it's comfortable for the user use. It is therefore crucial to consider the size of the buttons as well as their placement on the joystick to make them easily accessible. It is also essential to consider the joystick's sensitivity which can be adjusted to a range of levels according to the needs of each client.
Comfort
A joystick-controlled wheelchair has many advantages that manual chairs do not offer. They limit fatigue caused by operational issues and allow for longer travel distances over manual wheelchairs. They can be utilized in areas with less space or more difficult terrain like slopes outdoors and uneven surfaces. With this added freedom, users can experience a freedom of movement that brings new life to their lives and reminds them of how great it is to be able to move around independently.
There are a variety of power wheelchairs available each with its distinct characteristics. The amount of bells and whistles that a particular model has will depend on the preferences of the user and requires. The most commonly used features are:
Customization of controls on an electric chair with a joystick is possible to meet individual needs. This includes the type and position of the knob, ball or handle. Some joysticks can be found at the end of the armrest of the driver's seat While others are set on the rear or front of the seat to make it easier for an attendant to reach. They may also be mounted on the side of the seat for people with limited shoulder range or muscle weakness.
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 a display that is easier to read for those with poor vision. Some models have extra modes that offer audio or visual navigation indicators. They can also offer clocks, odometers and indicator of battery charge.
The ability of a joystick to maneuver in a limited turning radius is also important. The most effective models will have a narrow turning radius, which makes it easier to maneuver around obstacles and narrow spaces, such as hallways. This narrow turning radius allows for easier navigation through public spaces and stores. This tight turning circle is especially useful for people who have mobility issues, like cerebral palsy or other mobility issues such as multiple sclerosis ALS and Huntington's Disease, brainstem or spinal cord injury stroke.
Safety
Power wheelchairs are designed with safety in mind. They have reliable brake systems that can limit the speed as quickly as the user presses the joystick control. The chairs also come with anti-tip light electric wheelchair rear wheels to prevent the chair from tipping forward.
The most popular type of joystick is a proportional control which is similar to automobile accelerator pedals as well as video game controllers in that the more the joystick moves away from the center, the faster the wheelchair moves. These types of joysticks require intact proprioception and finger dexterity in order to function effectively. A standard joystick is usually placed on the armrest, however, a variety specific controls are available that place the controls in the middle or on the side of the seat.
Even with specialized rigging, certain people may not be able to deflect a handle. This is the case for some people who have spasticity, which can cause muscles to become stiff or deteriorate (atrophy). In these cases the use of a head control unit that converts the movement of the user's head into a instructions for the wheelchair may be a better option.
The size and location of the joystick's buttons is another aspect to consider. If the buttons are too far to the left or difficult to reach, it may alter the user's sitting position and put strain on their hands. On the other hand when the joystick is located too far backward it could be difficult to turn the wheels or move the chair into tight spaces.
Lastly, an electric wheelchair is best used with the seatbelt fastened. Seatbelts should always be fastened when using an electric wheelchair. The most powerful wheelchairs can travel up to 8mph. Batteries should be charged frequently and preferably every night. This will help them to have a longer life and help maintain their effectiveness. You should also have your chair maintained regularly to ensure that all components are operating properly.
Accessories
The joystick is a key component of any power wheelchair, and there are many accessories that can be added to enhance its functionality. These can range from simple switches up to more complex interfaces that connect to communication devices as well as external environment control units. A more expensive power wheelchair will often have various controller components that can be utilized and adjusted to meet the needs of a particular client. A non-expandable control can only accept the proportional stick as an input device, while an expandable one will also accept sip and puff control, specialty switches, and head array systems. Some of the more advanced controllers can operate up to two power seating actuators, that can alter the angle and position of the seat.
The most basic kind of joystick commonly prescribed in the clinic is a proportional control, sometimes referred to as a movement sensing joystick. This type 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. wheelchair speed) the further the stick is moved from center. This requires a lot of dexterity as well as a strong proprioception for effective use.
While the technology in use today is able to compensate for minor magnitude movements that occur in EPW driving however, it is unable to detect and adjust to many more severe unintentional movements, such as those caused by higher amplitude tremors or involuntary movements 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 sufferers with diseases such as athetosis, MS, ALS or spinal cord injuries won't be able to safely operate an electric power chair.
Most wheelchairs can be customized and programmed with the help from a clinician. These parameters include altering the torque produced by the motor, and adjusting the speed of the chair. They can be used to set the dead zone, which is the distance in which the EPW isn't able to produce output. Some controllers also have the ability to store backup programs which is useful for a clinician to have in case of an emergency or for a client with fluctuating symptoms.