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Electric Wheelchair With Joystick Joysticks on power wheelchairs can improve their user-friendliness and independence. Standardized joysticks may not be able to accommodate the unique characteristics of hand disorders. This study examined the efficacy and satisfaction of customizing power wheelchair joysticks made using 3D printing technology. The test was conducted using modified power-mobility inside driving assessment (PIDA), National Aeronautics and Space Administration Task Load Index, and Psychosocial Impact of Assistive Devices Scale. Control The control system of a power chair comprises two important aspects which are the joystick as well as the electronics (also known as the controller). Joysticks that are standard are placed on the left or the right side of the chair, while more sophisticated rehab chairs come with swing-away mounts that allow the joystick to be moved to the middle of the seat. The manner in which a joystick will be mounted and used is crucial to its performance for a client. If a user is prone to tremors, it is essential to design the joystick so that the movements do not trigger the chair inadvertently. The standard EPW joysticks are typically proportional input devices that react to the amount of deflection of the gimbal to determine the direction of the chair (similar to an accelerator pedal or video game controller). There are several different control options for power wheelchairs that require very only a little force to activate. Controls for switches, sip-and-puff 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, most are compatible with the new generation of joysticks that have integrated Bluetooth into their handles. Some wheelchair joysticks have a screen to show the status of the system and provide feedback to the user, which can be particularly useful for those with cognitive or visual impairments. Other joysticks with advanced technology have the ability to control a variety of accessories like environmental controls, and even a tablet or TV. Whatever technology is used, a joystick will only be as useful as the user is easy to use. It is therefore important to consider the dimensions of the buttons and their position on a joystick in order to make them easily accessible. It is also important to consider the joystick's sensitivity which can be adjusted to a range of levels based on the individual needs of the user. Comfort A joystick-controlled chair has many advantages that a manual chair does not have. They reduce fatigue caused by operational issues and permit longer travel distances than their manually operated counterparts. They can also be used in areas with limited space or more challenging terrain like outdoor slopes and uneven surfaces. This additional independence gives users a new freedom of movement and feeling of freedom. There are numerous different powered wheelchairs that are available, each with their distinct characteristics. The quantity of bells and whistles a particular model features will depend on what the user wants and requires. Some of the most common features are: Controls that can be customized on an electric wheelchair with a joystick can be made to meet individual needs. This includes the kind of knob or handle, as well as the ball or the way it is mounted. Some joysticks are mounted on the end of the dominant armrest, while others are situated in the front or back of the seat to allow easy access by the attendant. Certain joysticks can be placed on the side for those who have limited shoulder mobility or muscle weakness. Other features are more personal in nature, such as the size and style of the joystick display screen. Some are backlit or in a color that is more accessible for those with low vision. reclining electric wheelchair have additional modes that provide audio or visual clues for navigation. Other models can include odometers, clocks and battery charge indicators. The ability of a joystick to move within a narrow turning radius is also important. The best models will have a precise turning radius, which allows for easier navigation of obstacles in narrow spaces, like hallways. The narrow radius makes it easier to maneuver through public areas and stores. This tight turning circle is especially beneficial for those suffering from mobility issues, such as cerebral palsy or other mobility issues, like multiple sclerosis, ALS and Huntington's disease, brainstem injury or spinal cord stroke. Safety Power wheelchairs are designed with safety in mind. They have robust brake systems that can reduce the speed rapidly when the user presses the joystick control. They also have anti-tip wheels in the rear that stop the chair from sliding backwards. The most common type of joystick is a proportional control which is similar to accelerator pedals and video game controllers in that the more the joystick is moved away from the center the more quickly the wheelchair moves. These types of joysticks need proprioception and finger dexterity in order to operate effectively. The standard joysticks are positioned on the armrest. However, there are a variety of special controls that put the controls on the side or middle of the seat. Even with specialized rigging some consumers may not be able to deflect a handle. This is the case for those who have spasticity, which can cause muscles to stiffen or waste away (atrophy). In these cases it might be beneficial 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 position of the buttons on the joystick is another aspect to be considered. If the buttons are too far forward or are difficult to reach, it may affect the user's position and put stress on their hands. On the other side when the joystick is too far backward it could be difficult to turn the wheels or maneuver the chair into tight spaces. The seatbelt should be secured on an electric wheelchair. The most powerful wheelchairs can reach speeds up to 8 mph and a seatbelt that isn't fastened can result in grave injuries or even death. Batteries must be charged regularly and at least every night. This will ensure they have a longer lifespan and maintain their efficiency. It's also an excellent idea to schedule regular maintenance for your chair to ensure all components are functioning properly. Accessories The joystick is an essential element of any power wheelchair, and there are numerous accessories that may be added to improve its capabilities. These range from simple switches to more sophisticated interfaces that can connect to communication devices or even external environmental control units. The higher-end power wheelchairs usually come with a variety controller components that can meet the needs of different clients. A non-expandable controller will only accept the proportional stick as an input device, while an expandable one can also take sip and puff controls and special switches, as well as head array systems. Some of the more advanced controllers can also operate up to 2 power seating actuators that are able to adjust the position and tilt of the seat. The most common type of joystick that is prescribed in clinics is a proportional joystick also known as a movement-sensing joystick. This type of joystick responds force by increasing output (i.e. the speed of the wheelchair) as the stick is pushed away from center. This requires a good amount of proprioception that is intact and dexterity for effective use. The technology used today can compensate for small variations in amplitude when EPW driving. However, it cannot detect and adjust for more severe unintentional motions, such as those caused larger amplitude tremors, or involuntary movements not related to conscious intent like athetosis. Most wheelchairs have a range of parameters that can be programmed and customised, usually with the help of a clinician. These parameters can include changing the torque produced by the motor, changing the speed at which the chair moves and setting the dead zone, which is the distance within which the EPW will not generate an output. Some controllers allow the clinician to save backup programs. This is useful in an emergency situation or when a patient's symptoms change.