Lecture 8 - Wheelchair Technology Flashcards
What is a wheelchair?
A chair on wheels that helps people to move around. It is used by individuals who have impairments that limit their ability to walk.
List the main components of a wheelchair.
- push handles
- backrest
- push rim/ring, hand rim
- brakes
- rear wheels
- castor wheels
- footrest
- frame
- cushion
- seat
- arm rest/protection
What are the advantages of manual wheelchairs over powered wheelchairs?
- energy efficient mobility
- smaller size (wheelchair fits beneath tables and through doors, foldable for car)
- provides independence
- exercise avoids/reduced secondary complications
What are the disadvantages of manual wheelchairs over powered wheelchairs?
- can be fatiguing for longer distances
- leads often to repetitive stress injuries
- lack of powered assistance can be a problem at slopes and uneven terrain
What additional components does a powered wheelchair have compared to a manual wheelchair?
- tachometer
- torque sensor
- motor & gear
What are the advantages of powered wheelchairs?
- no minimum force required
- provides independence
- long distances
- different drive trains for different terrains
What are the disadvantages of powered wheelchairs?
- heavy, hard to transport
- regular charging required
- expensive
What is the difference between proportional and non-proportional input devices?
In proportional input devices, the amount of deflection = rate of movement of the chair. Non-proportional input devices act as switches (on or off), e.g. sip and puff
What are 2 types of wheelchair frame styles?
- Box-frame
2. Cantilever frame
Why is it important to have sufficient trial in a wheelchair?
Sufficient trial is needed to avoid caster flutter. Positive trial means ground contact point must lay behind the vertical joint axis. This is to avoid flutter. However, too large trial reduces maneuverability.
Why would you increase the camber angle of a wheelchair?
- More lateral stability
- Faster turning
How does the speed of a manual wheelchair compare to that of a powered one?
Powered: 6km/h ++
Manual: up to 30km/h
What are the main limitations of wheelchairs?
- tech is more than 200 yrs old
- low user height (difficult eye contact)
- cannot climb stairs
- cannot maneuver over uneven terrain (rocks, sand, snow)
- can tip
- no movement intelligence
What are some recent wheelchair innovations?
- standing-up wheelchairs
- improved design & function
- smart wheelchairs (line-following ability, voice confirmation of output commands, collision safe guard)
