35
7.5 The Heel Switch
The ActiGait® Heel Switch (see Figure 8) is the device that sends information to the
Control Unit about whether the foot is on the ground or lifted. It needs to be mount-
ed on the foot, so that the sensor is placed under the heel, and the Heel Switch
housing is placed along the ankle.
The sensor consists of a mechanical switch that activates when you put enough
weight on it, i.e. when you place your heel on the ground. The radio transmitter
transmits a radio code to the Control Unit for every heel lift and heel strike. The
Control Unit reacts by activating the stimulation which makes the muscles lift the
foot. The Control Unit and Heel Switch must be paired to communicate with each
other (see section 7.1.4 on page 21).
Figure 8: The Heel Switch
Housing with
battery and radio
transmitter
Sensor
It is essential that the Heel Switch is kept in place when you walk so that the switch
is activated and de-activated properly for every heel strike and heel lift, respectively.
The Heel Switch can be placed under either foot; however, it can only be switched
over in connection with reprogramming the Control Unit at the clinic. See section
7.5.1 on page 36 about how to place the Heel Switch and how to use the Heel
Sock.
The Heel Switch battery is not exchangeable. If you open the Heel Switch to ac
-
cess the battery, you will break the sealing and thereby compromise the ingress
protection against water and particles. When the battery of the Heel Switch is out
of power, the whole Heel Switch must be discarded (see section 12.3 on page 53
about disposal).
Summary of Contents for ActiGait
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