Permobil Total Control Head Array User manual

Total Control Head Array
User manual |American English

Welcome to the Permobil family
We congratulate you on your choice of alternative drive for
your power wheelchair. Our goal is for you to continue to feel
satisfied with your choice of both vendor and product.
Before you begin using your Total Control Head Array, it is
important that you read and understand the content of these
operating instructions, and in particular the safety instructions
and warning texts.
How to contact Permobil
ermobil Inc.
300 Duke Drive
Lebanon, TN 37090
USA
[phone]
[phone]
[email protected]
www.permobil.com
roduction units. See page 19.
Head office of the Permobil group
ermobil AB
er Uddéns väg 20
861 36 Timrå
Sweden
[phone]
[email protected]
www.permobil.com
Produced and published by Permobil
Edition: 2
Date: 2022-04-13
Order no: 338998 eng-US

1 Introduction 4
2 Safety 5
2.1 Types of warning signs 5
2.2 Warnings 5
3 Overview 8
3.1 Activation zones 9
3.2 The on/off switch and cable ports 10
3.3 The LED indicators 11
4 Usage 12
4.1 Operation modes 12
4.2 Driving modes 14
4.3 Removing the head array 17
5 Maintenance and cleaning 18

1 Introduction
The Total Control Head Array is intended to be installed on
ermobil power wheelchairs equipped with R-net electronics.
ermobil power wheelchairs are intended for people limited to
a seated position. For additional information regarding your
wheelchair, refer to any other documentation received with
your wheelchair or contact your ermobil dealer.
All information, pictures, illustrations and specifications are
based upon the product information available at the time these
operating instructions were printed. ictures and illustrations
used in these operating instructions are representative examples
and not intended to be exact depictions of the various parts of
the Total Control Head Array. ermobil reserves the right to
make changes to the product without prior notice.
4- Introduction

2 Safety
Important safety instructions. Save these instructions.
ermobil is not responsible for personal injuries or property
damage resulting from any person’s failure to follow the
warnings and instructions in this manual, or from failure to
exercise good judgment.
2.1 Types of warning signs
The following types of warning signs are used in this manual:
WARNING!
Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could
result in serious injury or death as well as damage to the
product or other property.
CAUTION!
Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could
result in damage to the product or other property.
IMPORTANT!
Indicates important information.
2.2 Warnings
WARNING! Vehicle seating requirements
The Total Control Head Array is not a headrest. If you use the
wheelchair as a seat in a motor vehicle, you must replace the
head array with a headrest approved by the wheelchair
manufacturer. If you do not, it can lead to bodily injury.
WARNING! Difficulty of use increases
when tilted
If the seat or backrest is tilted, you will require more strength
to move your head outside the activation zones to stop the
wheelchair from moving. Be sure that you can always lift your
head away from the activation zones. If you are unable to do
so, the wheelchair can injure you.
WARNING! Drive extra carefully when
lifted or tilted
If the seat or backrest is lifted or tilted while the wheelchair is
on flat ground, drive at a low speed. If the seat or backrest is
lifted or tilted, do not drive the wheelchair on slopes or over
obstacles. If you do, the wheelchair can become less stable
and injure you.
Safety - 5

WARNING! Do not remove the covers
The electronic sensors are sensitive to water and moisture.
Make sure that the electronic sensors are protected by their
covers. Do not remove the covers. If you do, moisture can
cause the sensors to inadvertently activate the wheelchair and
you can be injured.
WARNING! Risk of water build-up
The electronic sensors are sensitive to water and moisture.
Avoid getting the covers wet. If they do get wet, for example
from wet hair or rain, the covers may retain moisture that can
cause an inadvertent delayed activation of the wheelchair and
you can be injured.
WARNING! Covers must be completely dry
before use
The electronic sensors are sensitive to water and moisture.
Make sure that the covers are completely dry, both inside and
outside, before replacing them on the sensor pads. Make sure
that the covers are fitted correctly on the sensors and are not
inside out. If any moisture remains in the covers, it can cause
the sensors to inadvertently activate the wheelchair and you
can be injured.
WARNING! Replace damaged or torn
covers
The electronic sensors are sensitive to water and moisture.
Make sure that the covers are whole. Damaged or torn covers
must be replaced with Permobil parts. If the covers get
damaged or torn, moisture can cause the sensors to
inadvertently activate the wheelchair and you can be injured.
CAUTION! Cleaning requirements
For minor spot cleaning, the covers can be cleaned with a
damp cloth and mild detergent. Turn off the power before
cleaning. If more thorough cleaning is needed, follow the
washing instructions on the cover. Make sure that the cover is
dry before replacing it.
IMPORTANT! Scrapping and recycling
Electronics should be disposed of responsibly in accordance
with local recycling regulations. Contact Permobil for informa-
tion about scrapping agreements in force.
6- Safety

IMPORTANT! Electromagnetic fields
The electronics in a power wheelchair can be affected by
external electromagnetic fields (for example mobile phones).
Similarly, the electronics in the wheelchair itself also emit
electromagnetic fields that can affect the immediate sur-
roundings (for example certain alarm systems in businesses).
Safety - 7

3 Overview
The Total Control Head Array is not a headrest.
It is a device that makes it possible to operate the
wheelchair with something other than a standard
joystick. It can operate all the modes and
functions of your power wheelchair. Your
healthcare provider will tailor the operation of
your head array system to meet your individual
needs and then they will train you to use your
Total Control Head Array.
Before you start using the Total Control Head
Array in public places, we recommend that you
try it out several times in an area with familiar
surroundings, so that you become comfortable
with operating your power wheelchair using the
Total Control Head Array.
8- Overview

3.1 Activation zones
Occipital pad has two proximity sensors. Control arms and can have
either proximity sensors or egg switches.
Activation zones for proximity sensors , , and , are shown as a gradient
shading. The lesser amount of shading indicates where the sensors can begin
to activate the control arms.
If your head array is configured with egg switches, pushing against egg
switches and will activate the control arms.
For instructions on how the activation zones correspond to the default
driving modes, see chapter 4.2
Driving modes , page 14.
If the configuration of your head array needs to be adjusted, contact your
healthcare provider for assistance.
Overview - 9

3.2 The on/off switch and cable ports
On/off switch is located on the back of the occipital control module.
Additional cable ports can be found on the connection panel, which is
located on the underside of the occipital control module.
The functionality of the cable ports are as follows:
mode
left
forward/rearward
rearward only
right
on/off
10 - Overview

3.3 The LED indicators
The LED indicators can light up in three colors, steadily or flashing, as
follows:
1. Steady green: ready for input.
2. Steady amber: one or more control is activated.
3. Flashing amber: stand-by mode.
4. Flashing red: an error has occurred.
Check that all cables are connected correctly and restart your wheelchair.
If that does not resolve the error, then report the number of flashes to
your healthcare provider for assistance.
Overview - 11

4 Usage
The Total Control Head Array is capable of operating all modes and functions
of your power wheelchair.
4.1 Operation modes
The available operation modes are determined by which devices are
connected to your power wheelchair and how your wheelchair is
programmed.
Examples of operation modes are:
• driving
• seat functions
• mouse control
• iDevice control
• infrared control
Your healthcare provider will tailor the operation of your head array system
to meet your individual needs and then they will train you to use your Total
Control Head Array.
Typically, a forward command will move the highlight to the next choice and
left/right commands will adjust or select the highlighted menu option.
12 - Usage

The head array can switch between the wheelchair’s operation modes in one
of three ways:
1. Mode switch — OMNI:
Activate mode switch or sensor briefly to display the user menu screen.
Navigate through the menu using sensors/switches , , and . See
chapter 3.1
Activation zones , page 9.
2. Timeout — OMNI:
After a period of inactivity, the user menu screen is displayed.
Navigate through the menu using sensors/switches , , and . See
chapter 3.1
Activation zones , page 9.
3. Sequence using mode switch:
Use mode switch or sensor to navigate through each operating mode
directly.
Each activation of the mode switch or sensor will select a new operation
mode.
Usage - 13

4.2 Driving modes
See page 9 for details about sensors/switches , , and .
Default driving modes:
• Sensors in occipital pad drive the wheelchair forward/rearward.
• Sensor/switch turns the wheelchair left.
• Sensor/switch turns the wheelchair right.
• Use and together to turn slightly left while driving.
• Use and together to turn slightly right while driving.
If you purposefully or accidentally give opposite commands simultaneously
for 60 seconds, your head array will de-activate. To re-activate your head
array, move your head to neutral (i.e. leave the activation zone of all sensors)
before selecting a new command.
How you change between driving forward and rearward is determined by the
configuration of the Total Control Head Array and the configuration of your
power wheelchair. See below for the most common methods.
14 - Usage

An arrow on the OMNI display indicates the direction the wheelchair will
travel when the forward command is given. After using the mode switch or
auto-toggle (see below), the arrow on the display will change to the opposite
direction. Driving with the forward command will be in the direction
indicated by the arrow on the display.
The three most common methods to change between driving forward and
rearward are:
1. Mode switch — OMNI:
Briefly activate and release mode switch while in driving mode.
2. Auto-toggle — OMNI:
Your OMNI interface can be programmed to automatically toggle the
direction of travel linked to the forward command.
If this is the case, briefly activate and release the forward switch or sensor
to change direction.
Usage - 15

3. Dedicated reverse switch or sensor:
Connect switch or sensor to cable port on the underside of the
occipital control module.
This is how you move your wheelchair rearward, if your Total Control
Head Array is equipped with a dedicated reverse switch or sensor:
• To move the wheelchair rearward, activate dedicated reverse switch or
sensor .
• Release the switch or sensor to stop moving rearward.
16 - Usage

4.3 Removing the head array
This is how you remove the Total Control Head Array from your
wheelchair:
• Turn screws counter-clockwise to loosen them.
• Disconnect cables .
• ress buttons to unlock the swing-away arms and move them outward
from the user.
• Turn lever counter-clockwise and lift the whole head array from the
wheelchair’s backrest.
To re-attach the head array, assemble in the reverse order. Make sure that
cables , screws , and lever are all properly fitted and tightened.
Usage - 17

5 Maintenance and cleaning
Turn off the power before cleaning. After cleaning and before
operating the Total Control Head Array, make sure that all
metal parts, pads, and covers are completely dry.
For minor spot cleaning, the covers can be cleaned with a damp
cloth and mild detergent. If more thorough cleaning is needed,
follow the washing instructions on the cover.
The metal parts on the head array can be cleaned using a damp
cloth. If more thorough cleaning is needed, use soapy water on
the surface.
Weekly maintenance:
• Clean the pads and covers using a cloth dampened with
soapy water.
Daily maintenance:
• During weather conditions that cause you to sweat, the pads
and covers must be cleaned every day.
• Check whether all sensors and switches are properly adjusted
and in a fixed position, to ensure that all operation modes of
the head array are always accessible to the user.
18 - Maintenance and cleaning

How to contact your production unit
Timrå, Sweden Nashville, USA
U TIM U NAS
ermobil AB ermobil Inc.
er Uddéns väg 20 300 Duke Drive
861 36 Timrå Lebanon, TN 37090
Sweden USA
[phone] [phone]
[phone] [phone]
[email protected] [email protected]
www.permobil.com www.permobil.com
How to contact your production unit - 19