Types of Self Control Wheelchairs

Many people with disabilities use self-controlled wheelchairs to get around. These chairs are great for everyday mobility and can easily climb hills and other obstacles. The chairs also feature large rear shock-absorbing nylon tires that are flat-free.

The translation velocity of a wheelchair was determined by using a local field-potential approach. Each feature vector was fed to a Gaussian decoder that outputs a discrete probability distribution. The accumulated evidence was used to trigger the visual feedback. A signal was issued when the threshold was reached.

Wheelchairs with hand-rims

The type of wheel a wheelchair uses can impact its ability to maneuver and navigate terrains. Wheels with hand-rims reduce wrist strain and increase comfort for the user. Wheel rims for wheelchairs are available in steel, aluminum or plastic, as well as other materials. They are also available in various sizes. They can be coated with vinyl or rubber to provide better grip. Some are ergonomically designed, with features like shapes that fit the grip of the user and broad surfaces to allow full-hand contact. This lets them distribute pressure more evenly, and prevents fingertip pressing.

A recent study revealed that rims for the hands that are flexible reduce impact forces as well as the flexors of the wrist and fingers when a wheelchair is being used for propulsion. They also offer a wider gripping surface than standard tubular rims allowing users to use less force, while still maintaining good push-rim stability and control. These rims are available at most online retailers and DME providers.

The study's findings revealed that 90% of those who had used the rims were happy with the rims. It is important to note that this was an email survey of people who purchased hand rims from Three Rivers Holdings, and not all wheelchair users with SCI. The survey also didn't measure actual changes in symptoms or pain, but only whether the individuals perceived an improvement.

The rims are available in four different models, including the light, medium, big and prime. The light is a round rim with a small diameter, while the oval-shaped large and medium are also available. The rims with the prime have a slightly bigger diameter and a more ergonomically designed gripping area. The rims can be mounted to the front wheel of the wheelchair in various colors. They include natural, a light tan, and flashy greens, blues, pinks, reds, and jet black. These rims are quick-release, and are easily removed for cleaning or maintenance. The rims are protected by vinyl or rubber coating to stop hands from slipping and causing discomfort.

Wheelchairs with tongue drive

Researchers at Georgia Tech developed a system that allows people in wheelchairs to control other devices and control them by moving their tongues. It is comprised of a tiny magnetic tongue stud that relays signals for movement to a headset that has wireless sensors and a mobile phone. The smartphone converts the signals into commands that control a device such as a wheelchair. The prototype was tested on physically able individuals as well as in clinical trials with those who suffer from spinal cord injuries.

To test the performance of the group, healthy people completed tasks that assessed the accuracy of input and speed. They performed tasks based on Fitts law, which includes the use of a mouse and keyboard and maze navigation using both the TDS and the normal joystick. The prototype was equipped with an emergency override button in red and a companion was with the participants to press it if necessary. The TDS performed as well as a normal joystick.

Another test The TDS was compared TDS to what's called the sip-and puff system, which allows people with tetraplegia control their electric wheelchairs by blowing air into straws. The TDS performed tasks three times more quickly, and with greater accuracy than the sip-and puff system. The TDS can drive wheelchairs more precisely than a person with Tetraplegia who controls their chair with a joystick.

The TDS could track tongue position with a precision of less than a millimeter. It also had a camera system which captured eye movements of an individual to interpret and detect their movements. Safety features for software were also included, which verified valid inputs from users 20 times per second. Interface modules would stop the wheelchair if they failed to receive an appropriate direction control signal from the user within 100 milliseconds.

The next step for the team is to try the TDS on people with severe disabilities. To conduct these tests they have formed a partnership with The Shepherd Center which is a major health center in Atlanta as well as the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation. They are planning to enhance the system's tolerance to lighting conditions in the ambient and add additional camera systems, and allow repositioning for different seating positions.

Wheelchairs with joysticks

With a wheelchair powered with a joystick, clients can operate their mobility device with their hands without needing to use their arms. It can be positioned in the middle of the drive unit, or on either side. The screen can also be used to provide information to the user. Some screens have a large screen and are backlit to provide better visibility. Others are smaller and could contain symbols or pictures to help the user. The joystick can also be adjusted to accommodate different sizes of hands, grips and the distance between the buttons.

As power wheelchair technology evolved as it did, clinicians were able develop alternative driver controls that let clients to maximize their potential. These advances allow them to accomplish this in a manner that is comfortable for end users.

For instance, a standard joystick is a proportional input device that utilizes the amount of deflection in its gimble in order to produce an output that increases with force. This is similar to how video game controllers and accelerator pedals for cars function. This system requires excellent motor skills, proprioception, and finger strength in order to function effectively.

Another form of control is the tongue drive system, which relies on the location of the tongue to determine where to steer. A magnetic tongue stud relays this information to a headset, which executes up to six commands. It can be used to assist people suffering from tetraplegia or quadriplegia.

As compared to the standard joystick, some alternatives require less force and deflection to operate, which is particularly beneficial for those with limitations in strength or movement. Certain controls can be operated using only one finger which is perfect for those with very little or no movement of their hands.

Some control systems come with multiple profiles, which can be modified to meet the requirements of each client. This is important for novice users who might have to alter the settings periodically when they feel tired or experience a flare-up in an illness. It is also useful for an experienced user who wants to change the parameters initially set for a specific environment or activity.

Wheelchairs with a steering wheel


Self-propelled wheelchairs are designed for those who need to move around on flat surfaces and up small hills. They have large wheels on the rear to allow the user's grip to propel themselves. Hand rims enable the user to make use of their upper body strength and mobility to guide a wheelchair forward or backward. Self-propelled wheelchairs can be equipped with a variety of accessories, such as seatbelts that can be dropped down, dropdown armrests and swing away leg rests. Some models can be converted to Attendant Controlled Wheelchairs that allow family members and caregivers to drive and control wheelchairs for people who require assistance.

Three wearable sensors were affixed to the wheelchairs of participants to determine the kinematics parameters. These sensors tracked movements for a period of a week. best self-propelled wheelchair measured by the wheels were determined with the gyroscopic sensors mounted on the frame and the one mounted on wheels. To distinguish between straight forward movements and turns, time periods during which the velocities of the right and left wheels differed by less than 0.05 milliseconds were thought to be straight. The remaining segments were examined for turns and the reconstructed wheeled paths were used to calculate turning angles and radius.

The study involved 14 participants. Participants were tested on navigation accuracy and command latencies. Through an ecological experiment field, they were required to navigate the wheelchair through four different ways. During navigation tests, sensors monitored the wheelchair's movement over the entire route. Each trial was repeated at least two times. After each trial, the participants were asked to choose the direction that the wheelchair was to move into.

The results showed that a majority of participants were able complete the navigation tasks, even though they did not always follow correct directions. They completed 47 percent of their turns correctly. The other 23% were either stopped immediately after the turn, or wheeled into a subsequent moving turning, or replaced by another straight movement. These results are similar to the results of previous studies.