How does various controls of powered wheelchair work?Wheelchairs
are nothing but chairs that are provided with the wheels for the easy movement
of the same. Powered wheelchairs [powered by electricity] are also known as electric
wheelchairs. Electric wheelchairs are operated with the help of electricity. Let
us know about the various control systems of the powered wheelchairs here.
Wheelchairs are of great help for
the elderly people who cannot walk due to debility. There are so many people in
the globe who could not walk on their own. Some of them are cripple. Some of them
are handicapped. Some of them could have lost their limb due to accident. Even
paralytic patients who could not walk can also be benefited from wheelchairs. Many
models of wheelchairs are available in the market. Some models are operated manually,
while some other models are operated by battery. There are three types of manually
operated wheelchairs. They are self operated, operated by the attendant and wheelbase.
Electric
wheelchairs use electric motors that help to move the wheelchair. These electrical
wheelchairs will be in all probability fitted with rechargeable batteries [4-5
amps]. The batteries can be designed separately for outdoor use, indoor use or
for both. The
occupant will control the speed and the direction of the wheelchair. If the occupant's
hand is functional, the joystick provided can control the speed and the direction
of the machine. If
the occupant finger and hands are not in a position to function, then those people
can go for models that can be operated by using the chin or by using suck or puff
scanners. The powered wheel chairs can move forward and also backward. The
powered wheel chair can be turned to right or left. The powered wheelchair can
tilt, and recline. The leg of the occupant can be elevated so also the seat. There
are three types of powered wheelchairs. In one type the machine is rear wheel
operated, in the other type the machine is operated by centre wheel drive and
in the third type the machine is operated by the front wheel drive. Omni
directional wheelchairs These
wheelchairs can be moved in any direction. The wheelchair can move in forward,
backward, sideward and even the rotation of the wheelchair is possible. Such wheelchairs
are provided with mechanism wheels. These wheels can move in a single plane with
three degrees of freedom. Because
of the ability to move in any direction these wheelchairs are very much preferred
by the disabled people. The wheelchair can be moved without any hassle in a narrow
passage, packed room, and in bad roads with potholes. The
seat of the wheelchair can be lifted to the height of 90 cm if need arises. The
seat can be pushed to 30 degrees backward as and when required. These models are
fitted with sensor bumper for the safety of the occupant. Human
machine interface The
human-machine-interface helps the occupant to operate the wheelchair with ease
and also provides access to the outside systems [work stations], environmental
control systems and communication instruments. The
human-machine-interface [HMI] helps the user immensely. HMI displays the function
of the wheelchairs. The display may be in the form of picture or text or symbol.
The users just need to press the required function. The HMI communicate the impulses
to the operating device, which performs the function. With the help of HMI, the
user can operate the wheelchair to his liking. In
the standard model, the joystick is the input device. Not all people can use the
joystick with ease. Hence in some other models even buttons are provided as input
device. Sensor
control Some
models of the wheelchairs are fitted with sensor system. The sensor system will
have infrared detector and ultrasonic range finder. These sensors can sense the
objects that are nearby, prevent the wheelchair to move further thus avoiding
collision and injury to the occupant. Environment
control To
work the wheelchair better the occupant must be able to access the control of
the wheelchair and also the environment. So many models of the control and environment
interface are available in the market. These commercially available devices are
very useful in controlling the wheelchair and the environment. Understanding
the various controls is really easy in recent models of wheelchairs. Once the
controls are understood the wheelchair can be operated safely and effectively.
Take some time to read the manuals that come along with the powered wheel chairs
to know the controls effectively.
| 
