Electric Wheelchair With Joystick Joysticks for power wheelchairs can enhance their use and independence. Standardized joysticks may not accommodate the unique characteristics of hand disorders. This study examined the efficacy and satisfaction of custom-designed power wheelchair joysticks that were made using 3D printing technology. Evaluation was conducted using the 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 the power chair comprises two essential elements: the joystick and the electronic. Standard joysticks often mount to either the left or right side of the chair. However, more complex rehab chairs may include swing-away mounts that permit the joystick to be moved into the middle of the seat. The way that a joystick is installed and used is a significant factor in determining whether it can be a success for a specific customer. For example in the case of someone who suffers from severe tremors, it is vital to ensure the joystick is constructed in such a way that the actions will not cause accidental activations of the chair. Standard EPW joysticks generally use proportional input devices that respond to the amount of deflection of the gimbal to regulate the movement of the chair (similar to an accelerator pedal or video game controller). There are a myriad of alternative control options for power wheelchairs, which require very little force to activate. Switch controls, sip-and puff controls as well as head arrays and chin controls are all available. While some of these specialty controls require an additional interface to connect them to the wheelchair, many are compatible with the latest generation of joysticks, which have integrated Bluetooth into their handles. A few standard wheelchair joysticks come with screens to display the status of the system, and to give feedback to users. This is especially useful for those who are visually or cognitively impaired. Certain advanced joysticks are able to control a wide range of accessories such as televisions, environmental controls and tablet. No matter what technology is employed, a joystick will only be as effective as the user finds it comfortable to use. It is therefore important to think about the size of the buttons and their location on a joystick to make them easily accessible. Also, it is essential to consider the sensitivity of the joystick, which can be adjusted to a variety of levels based on the requirements of each client. Comfort A joystick-controlled power chair offers many benefits that aren't accessible with manual chairs. They can reduce fatigue caused by operational issues and can travel longer distances than manual-operated chairs. They can also be used in areas with less space or more challenging terrain like slopes outdoors and uneven surfaces. With this added freedom, users can experience the freedom of movement that gives new life to their lives and reminds them of how great it is to be independent once more. A variety of power wheelchairs are available with an array of options. The number of bells and whistles included on a specific model will depend on the needs of the user and desires. Some of the most common features are: Controls on an electric wheelchair that have a joystick can be customized to meet your individual requirements. This includes the design and location of the knob, ball, or handle. Joysticks are usually located on the armrest of the driver's chair, while others are placed on the rear or front of the seat to make it easier for the an attendant to reach. They can also be placed on the side of the seat for those with limited shoulder mobility or muscle weakness. Other features are more personal to you like the size and design of the joystick display screen. Some models are backlit, or have colors that make it easier for those who have low vision to read. Other models provide additional modes that provide visual or audio cues for navigation. They also include clocks, odometers, and battery charge indicators. Another crucial aspect of the joystick is how it can be operated within a tight turning radius. The best models will have a narrow turning radius that makes it easier to navigate obstacles in narrow spaces, such as hallways. This tight turning radius makes it easier to navigate through public spaces and stores. This tight turning radius is particularly beneficial for those with mobility issues such as cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis ALS Huntington's disease, spinal cord injury or brainstem stroke. Safety Power wheelchairs are designed with safety in mind. They have braking systems that are reliable which can slow down speed quickly when the consumer depresses the joystick control lever. The chairs also have anti-tip rear wheels that prevent the chair from tipping forward. The most commonly used type of joystick is a proportional control which is similar to car accelerator pedals as well as video game controllers in that the more the joystick is moved away from the center the speed at which the wheelchair moves. These types of joysticks need proprioception and finger dexterity in order to function efficiently. A standard joystick is usually mounted on the armrest, however, a variety special controls are available to place the controls in the middle or at the sides of the seat. Some consumers may not have enough strength to withstand the force of a joystick even with the aid of special rigging. This may be the case for those with spasticity, and this can cause muscles to become stiff or waste away (atrophy). In these cases, it may be better to use a head-control unit that converts the movements of the user's body into the required commands for the wheelchair. The size and position of the buttons on the joystick is another factor to consider. If the buttons are located too far forward or difficult to reach, it can affect the user's position and put strain on their hands. If the joystick is placed too far back, it could be difficult to move the chair or turn the wheels. The seatbelt must be fastened on an electric wheelchair. The most powerful wheelchairs can travel at speeds of up to 8 miles per hour and a seatbelt that is not fastened can result in serious injuries or even death. Batteries must be charged regularly and preferably every night. This will ensure that they live longer and help maintain their effectiveness. It is also recommended to have your chair checked regularly to ensure that all components are working properly. Accessories Joysticks are an essential element of power wheelchairs and can be improved by a variety of accessories. These range from simple switches to more sophisticated interfaces that can be connected to communication devices or even external environmental control units. A more expensive power wheelchair will often have a variety of controller components that can be utilised and adapted to meet the needs of a particular user. A non-expandable controller will only accept the proportional stick as an input device while an expandable one will also accept sip and puff controls and special switches, as well as head array systems. Some of the more advanced controllers can also use up to two power seating actuators that are able to adjust the position and tilt of the seat. The most basic type of joystick commonly prescribed in the clinic is an inverse control, often called a motion sensing joystick. This kind of joystick, like accelerator pedals for cars and video game controllers, responds to the force exerted on the stick by increasing its output (i.e. the speed of the wheelchair) the farther the stick is pushed away from the center. This requires a lot of dexterity and a healthy sense of proprioception for efficient use. While the technology in use today is able to compensate for minor amplitude movements during EPW driving however, it is unable to recognize and adjust to more severe and unintentional movements, such as those caused by greater involuntary or amplitude tremors that aren't associated with conscious intent like athetosis.5 Until we can create and implement new technologies that are able to reliably detect and adjust to these types of unintentional movements, many sufferers with diseases such as athetosis, MS, ALS or spinal cord injury will not be able to safely operate an electric power chair. Most wheelchairs can be customised and programmed with the help from a medical professional. These parameters can include changing the torque that is provided by the motor, changing the speed at which the chair moves and setting the dead zone that is the area within which the EPW is unable to produce an output. Certain controllers will also be able to store backup programs which can be useful for a healthcare professional to have in case in an emergency, or for patients with varying symptoms.