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Please Note: The technology listed below is not available to the public at this time. This technology is in the early stage of research and requires further development before it is ready for the marketplace. The VA is currently in the process of identifying potential companies who may be interested in licensing and/or further developing the technology through Cooperative Research and Development Agreements (CRADA). Through cooperative research initiatives such as these, it is our hope and goal that commercial products will be fully developed and made available to benefit veterans and others.
VA TECHNOLOGY OPPORTUNITY BRIEF
Head Position Monitor
TECHNOLOGY BACKGROUND AND DESCRIPTION:
For individuals with a traumatic brain injury (TBI), the electric-powered wheelchair (EPW) becomes the most viable mobility option on the market today. Individuals who suffer a TBI often have tremors in limbs, impaired motor skills, cognitive deficits, visual processing difficulties and inattentiveness. These residual deficits make EPW driving not only difficult, but dangerous for individuals with TBI. Many individuals with TBI may not be aware that the EPW is not moving in the desired direction until it's too late for correction. To drive an EPW properly and safely, individuals with TBI must develop and hone the proper skills for independent operation.
In 2004, sales of EPWs in North America reached more than $400 million and have increased yearly. This trend is expected to continue at a rate of 2.1 percent to 2010. Factors driving future demand will include: the manufacture of inexpensive powered wheelchairs from overseas (Asia); niche powered wheelchairs; various sizes; alternative batteries; disease progression in patients who lose strength in their upper body, forcing them to use powered wheelchairs; and the expectation that new powered wheelchair designs (i.e., lighter, compact and multi-functional) will replace scooters for indoor and outdoor use.
Investigators at the VA have developed an EPW that incorporates a head position monitor (HPM) to aid and validate the proper operation and direction. The HPM works in conjunction with an isometric joystick controller, VA ID 02-023 Variable Compliance Joystick with Compensation Algorithms and not as a stand-alone product. When the HPM and joystick are indicating the same direction, only then does the EPW become mobile. When both products are working together, the possible deficits associated with TBI are greatly reduced.
BENEFITS
1. Access to superior technologies of the HPM provides greater alignment and accuracy as compared with other systems.
- Ability to remain as an absolute pointer without calibration
- No moving or mobile devices causing operator misalignment
- Reduction in the amount of devices needed for operation
- Results - Decrease in overall required capital and operating costs for the EPW
2. Enhanced joystick design for greater mobility
- Both variable compliance and full isometric modes
- Damping available to reduce effects of tremor or other unwanted motions
- Method to optimize EPW control and mobility
- Results - Customized EPW that closely matches operator's needs
- Lower risk assessment and user incident rates
- Increased sense of independence by the user
- Increased user access and decreased functional travel restrictions
- Results - Greater mobility and reduced dependence on care givers
4. Working with a group of highly talented investigators designing cutting-edge EPW technologies.
- Vast experience and expertise in EPW technologies
- High level of sensitivity to individuals with TBI and their mobility needs
- Access to large clinical population with TBI
- Results - Cost-effective and high clinical impact on quality of life
IP STATUS: No patent has been filed for this technology. VA is currently looking for CRADA partners to help further develop this technology.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Saleem Sheredos
Program Manager
Technology Transfer Program
Veterans Affairs
Office of Research & Development (12TT)
5th Floor
103 South Gay Street
Baltimore, MD 21202
202-380-5080
Fax 410.962.2141
e-mail: saleem.sheredos@va.gov
Last Updated - April 24, 2006