Greencare DB1J 13, User Manual

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10
Hemiplaegic Drive Wheelchair
Hemiplaegic users can be supplied with a
chair configured with the propelling wheel on
one side of the frame for the occupant to
control speed and direction with one hand.
Greencare limits this build to chair seat width
up to 22 inches.The wheel on the driving side
has two hand rims. The outer hand rim is fitted
to this wheel directly as standard, but the
inner hand rim is smaller in diameter and
connected by a linkage to the opposite
wheel. The hemiplaegic chair are built
according to the assessment. The inner
driving rim protrudes outside the line of the
outer hand rim. This allows access for
gripping, but increases overall width by 10mm
from technical data measurements of
standard wheelchairs.
The linkage connecting the wheels normally
supplied by Greencare following extensive
trials will be an expanding scissor strut that
opens and closes when the wheelchair
closes. With this expanding system the
wheels are permanently fixed to the frame
and cannot be detached. This is easy to
operate and maintain for the user. However
fixed wheels and drive increase lifting weight
by 6.0Kg from technical data measurements.
A lighter weight option for hemiplegic
operation is a sprung loaded connecting strut
between quick release wheels. This strut has
a recess that engages on the end of each
spindle to provide drive contact. With this
option, the propelling wheels are detachable,
and weight unaffected. The sprung
connecting strut requires removal for folding
the chair. Assembly and removal requires
care. It is recommended that this assembly is
QD wheels should first be assembled
according to setting up procedure. The spring
loaded strut should be depressed and
inserted between wheel spindles before
releasing to engage. This requires some
strength.
When assembled the strut should be checked
by hand to ensure full engagement without
free movement. Carers should be careful not
to trap fingers under the sprung drive
engagement end of strut. The Sprung strut
length is pre set to provide correct drive when
chair is built. It should not be adjusted to make
assembly feel easier, as this will reduce
driving efficiency.
Using either of these drive connections
effectively requires skill that will come with
practice. Operation may be helped by active
user slimline armrest features. The one arm
drive system should always be trialed by user
before final handover to assess suitability.
PREPARING THE WHEELCHAIR FOR USE