Sunrise Medical Switch-It Smart Technologies
Control Systems for Electric Wheelchairs
Introduction
Sunrise Medical's Switch-It Smart Technologies offers a comprehensive range of control systems designed to enhance independence and mobility for electric wheelchair users. This document outlines the various innovative solutions available, including advanced joysticks, versatile mechanical switches, intuitive head control systems, flexible mounting solutions, and alternative control systems.
Joysticks
Switch-It provides several joystick options for precise control of electric wheelchairs and surroundings. These are designed for users with varying degrees of movement and strength, offering different control methods such as finger, hand, or chin control.
MicroGuide & MicroPilot
These are compact, placement-friendly joysticks in a micro-format. The MicroPilot is designed for users with very limited strength, responding to the slightest pressure. The MicroGuide offers a small mechanical range and requires minimal force and movement for operation. Both are available with various tops for different control methods.
Image Description: Micro Joystick mounted with Link-It Space Disk.
Image Description: Micro Joystick mounted with Link-It for chin control.
Image Description: Micro Joystick and buttons can be mounted in infinite positions and combinations with Link-It.
VersaGuide
The VersaGuide is a robust, compact joystick that can be mounted almost anywhere. Its versatility and unlimited mounting possibilities make it ideal for various applications. It offers full control for hand, chin, or attendant steering and includes two built-in SmartJacks for function selection. SmartJack outlets are compatible with all switches with a Jack plug connection. An EZ (easy) version is also available, requiring less force and mobility from the user.
Image Description: VersaGuide joystick.
Joystick Allround
This is a multifunctional joystick for wheelchairs with two outputs for on/off and functions. It is available in two versions: one with a DB9 connector and one with a direct connection to the R-Net system. An HD version is also available, designed for heavier handling and for users with conditions like spasticity, dystonia, or extreme hypertonicity.
Image Description: Allround Joystick with Satellite switches.
Image Description: Allround Joystick with swing-away Link-It chin mount.
Mechanical Switches
Switch-It offers a wide selection of switches that can be used as impulse switches for driving, seat functions, or other functions. These switches can be configured to meet individual user needs.
Switches for Direct Control
The Ctrl+5 switch panel simplifies the control of seat functions, IR commands, and mouse control, providing easier and faster access to frequently used functions. The Ctrl+5 panel features programmable buttons and multiple modes for operating seat functions, lights, and speed.
Image Description: USB Port standard on Ctrl+5.
Image Description: Ctrl+5 switch box can be placed on armrests or behind the back for attendant.
Image Description: Ctrl+5 box with flat or raised buttons.
Switch Variants
Various switch types are available, including Satellite switches, Buddy Buttons, Mini 2 Button Mono, MicroLite, Egg switches, Piko switches, Mini 4 switches in-line, and Remote Stop switches. Switch-It also builds custom individual solutions.
Image Description: Piko switches mounted on armrests with Link-It modules.
Image Description: Allround Joystick with adjustable Satellite switches, mounted directly on the joystick.
Other Devices
The Remote Stop switch allows an assistant to stop an electric wheelchair via an RF remote control from up to 30 meters away. The system includes the remote control, a relay for mounting in the chair, and a handheld control.
Image Description: Remote Stop switch components: remote control, relay, and handheld control.
Head Controls
For users requiring head control, Switch-It offers solutions with comfortable padding and upholstery. These head controls can be combined with Whitmyer headrests for optimal customization.
Dual Pro™
The Dual Pro is a head control system with fine-tuning and customization options for an easy, precise, and intuitive driving experience. It offers unique speed adjustment and can be adapted to the user's strength and capacity. The left and right pads can be adjusted individually for optimal sensitivity.
Image Description: Dual Pro head control system.
Head Control System
Switch-It's traditional head control systems utilize proximity switches with zero pressure, providing intuitive and safe driving. The HDR-4M2 is a 3-switch head control with ports for an external function switch. The HDR-5 is a 5-switch head control with two dedicated sensors for reverse and function selection, featuring dip-switches for sensor adjustment.
Image Description: 3-switch head control HDR-3.
Image Description: Standard 5-switch head control HDR-5.
Mounting Systems
Sunrise Medical's Link-It mounting solutions are universal, flexible, expandable, and versatile, allowing for easy and flexible placement of joysticks and switches. These systems support headrest, backrest, legrest, seat, and armrest mounting, ensuring devices are positioned for optimal user access.
Image Description: Micro Joystick with swing-away headrest and switch mounting.
Link-It Mounting System
The Link-It mounting system makes it easy to mount and position devices on wheelchairs within reach of the user. It is always adjustable and positionable. The system allows for switches and other devices to be mounted at lower extremities using standard Link-It components, attaching to seat rails or legrests.
Image Description: Piko Button operated by the knee, mounted on the side of the seat unit on a Sedeo seat rail.
Image Description: Base module.
Image Description: Star module.
Image Description: Yoke for chin control.
Image Description: Micro Joystick with SpaceDisk mounting.
Image Description: Example of connection module.
Chin Control
The newly developed mounting system for chin control from Switch-It includes both mechanical and electric swing-away arms. It is stably attached to the SEDEO backrest. The specially designed swing mechanism includes a friction coupling for increased safety and a more functional solution if the chin control comes out of position.
Manual & Electric Chin Control
The chin control boom is a long L-shaped rod with a bracket for mounting joysticks like VersaGuide or MicroGuide. The boom is mounted on a bracket on the backrest, allowing for mouth or chin control without the need for harnesses, providing easier mobility for the user. This control is available in both manual and electric versions.
Image Description: Electric chin boom.
Electric Chin Control Features
The electric chin control connects directly to the R-net bus and has a contact for connecting a switch to control the swing-away arm. It will automatically return to its home position.
Alternative Control Systems
TouchDrive 2 (TD2)
TouchDrive 2 utilizes well-proven touchscreen technology from mobile phones, offering ultra-sensitive and precise driving control for wheelchairs. Functions are activated by touching the glass surface, requiring minimal force. Settings can be configured for Absolute mode (center of the screen is always neutral) or Relative mode (the center of activity is determined by where the user starts their movement).
Image Description: TouchDrive 2 (TD2) unit.
Absolute and Relative Modes: The user can choose between absolute or relative mode for neutral positioning. In absolute mode, the center of the TouchDrive2 active area is always the center/neutral. In relative mode, the area where the user initiates their movements becomes the center/neutral. This setting can be toggled on or off by pressing the green reset button on the underside of the unit.
External Switch Mode: The user can choose to deactivate the built-in function options (Switch-It logo) and instead use external switches. TouchDrive2 has a 3 mm single contact port on the side for connecting an external mechanical switch panel. This option allows for a cleaner setup with fewer plugs and wires to the Omni or multiple screens.