DAEDALUS TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
MAKING TECHNOLOGY MORE ACCESSIBLE
DAESSY Mounting System
Selecting a DAESSY Mount
PLEASE READ THIS SECTION CAREFULLY
This section gives information for selecting an appropriate mounting assembly for a particular application. The choice of assembly will depend on a number of factors including the abilities of the user, the type of device to be mounted, and the type of wheelchair. Not all DAESSY mounting assemblies are appropriate for all situations. You must determine to your own satisfaction which mount is most suitable for your particular application. In some cases it may be necessary to modify the standard assembly or construct a custom mount from individual DAESSY Mounting System components. In these cases please contact DAESSY.
The purpose of a wheelchair mount is to securely hold an augmentative communication or laptop computer in the correct position for the person using the wheelchair to access the device as comfortably as possible.
Each DAESSY Mount Assembly should be fitted to meet the access needs of the user. The Fitting procedure will determine the correct Frame Clamp size for the wheelchair and the optimum lengths and shapes for the tubes. Any component substitutions or additions, such as additional Offset Links or Frame Clamp Spacers, will be identified in the fitting procedure.
When determining which DAESSY Mount to purchase for a particular application there are four categories of considerations:
- Type of Wheelchair
Is the wheelchair a lightweight manual style or a heavier power drive? Does it have a tilting or fixed seat system? Is it adult-sized or pediatric?
DAESSY Mounts have been developed to work with all these types of wheelchairs, however not all DAESSY mounts will work with all types of wheelchairs. There are special considerations related to Tilting Seat Systems. - Type of Device
Is the device accessed directly through a touch screen or keyboard, or indirectly through a switch or optical controller? Is the device large and heavy or compact and light?
Most of the DAESSY mounting assemblies may be used with most Augmentative Communication Devices and Laptop Computers but there are some combinations that are less suitable and should only be used with a full awareness of the specific cautions. - Ability of User
Is the user able to perform a side-folding or swing-away action or will these actions be performed by an aide? - Storage of Mount, Removal from Chair
The DAESSY Quick Release System allows the device to be easily removed from the mount for storage or use on a Desk Mount, however the removal and storage requirements for the mount itself may be a consideration for some applications.
FEATURES COMMON TO ALL MOUNTING ASSEMBLIES
Parts of the DAESSY Mounting Component System common to all the Mounting Assemblies are: The inner clamp for attaching directly to the wheelchair which differs only in size and shape dependent on the wheelchair frame tubing. All common wheelchair frame tube sizes, shapes and orientations can be accommodated.
The attachment fitting on the horizontal tube that holds the individual adapter for a particular computer or communication device.
Applications and Limitations of Standard DAESSY Mount Assemblies
The cautions given below are not intended to be all-inclusive. They should be used as a guide to the details that should be considered whenever any assembly is being considered for mounting any device on a wheelchair. All applications have their unique aspects and some situations may be impossible to address with any mounting assembly.
RIGID MOUNT DRM1
The DAESSY Rigid Mount - DRM1 consists of two lengths of tube rigidly connected to form a right angle structure.
Either left or right-hand mounting is possible.
To allow unimpeded access to the user the mount may be lifted up completely out of the frame clamp or it may slightly lifted and swung to the side.
Variations can be made in the length and shape of the tubes to fit the Rigid Mount to any user and wheelchair.
The Rigid Mount is not suitable for tilting seat systems. The Vertical Tube should be installed at an angle of no more than 15° from vertical.
The Rigid Mount can support equipment that is heavy enough to unbalance an unoccupied wheelchair, particularly when the mount is swung aside, and it should be completely removed or the mounted device detached before the wheelchair is vacated.
RIGID MOUNT ROP Version DRM1ROP
The Rigid Mount ROP Version allows for attachment to Tilting Seat Systems and installation beyond 15° from vertical.
The Removable Outer Piece and Receiver allows the mount assembly to be locked in place while still allowing the mount to be quickly removed from the wheelchair.
This mount is non-directional and can be attached to either side of the wheelchair with the same components.
The DAESSY Rigid Mount ROP Version can support equipment that is heavy enough to unbalance an unoccupied wheelchair when the attached device is positioned outside the wheelbase. It is recommended that the device be detached, or the mount be removed from the wheelchair before the wheelchair is vacated.
The DAESSY Rigid Mount ROP Version cannot be swung to the side. The mount must be unlocked and removed for access to the user, or any time the wheelchair is vacated.
[GO TO: RIGID MOUNT - ROP Version]
FOLDING MOUNT DFM2
The two tubes of the DAESSY Folding Mount - DFM2 are connected by a flexible joint which permits the folding motion.
When folded and removed from the wheelchair the Folding Mount forms a more compact structure than the Rigid Mount.
The Folding Mount may be installed on either side of the wheelchair.
The folding motion can take the device forward and down the side of the chair, or rearward and down the side of the chair. If the user has the mobility and strength to guide the folding motion, it will usually be easier for them to manage the rearward folding sequence. The forward sequence is more appropriate for folding by an aide.
The Folding Mount is not suitable for tilting seat systems. The Vertical Tube should be installed at an angle of no more than 15° from vertical.
In the folded position the attached device protrudes beyond the side of the wheelchair making it vulnerable to collisions if the wheelchair is moved and the screens of laptop computers must be closed when folded. Some large keyboard devices that are tilted to allow the user full access may protrude a considerable amount when folded. Whenever the wheelchair is moved with the mount folded it is recommended that the device be detached from the mount and carried.
When the mount is folded the unbalancing effect of heavy devices on small wheelchairs is reduced but not eliminated and it may be advisable to remove the device or mount before the wheelchair is vacated.
FOLDING MOUNT ROP Version DFM2ROP
The ROP Version allows for attachment to Tilting Seat Systems and installation beyond 15° from vertical.
The Removable Outer Piece and Receiver allow the mount assembly to be locked in place and allow the mount to be quickly removed from the wheelchair.
This mount is non-directional and can be attached to either side of the wheelchair with the same components.
The folding motion can take the device forward and down the side of the chair, or rearward and down the side of the chair. If the user has the mobility and strength to guide the folding motion, it will usually be easier for them to manage the rearward folding sequence. The forward sequence is more appropriate for folding by an aide.
In the folded position the attached device protrudes beyond the side of the wheelchair making it vulnerable to collisions if the wheelchair is moved or driven; the screen of a laptop computer MUST be closed prior to folding the mount. A device that is tilted to allow the user full access when in use may protrude a considerable amount when folded.
Whenever the wheelchair is moved with the mount folded, it is recommended that the device be detached from the mount and carried.
When the mount is folded the unbalancing effect of heavy devices on small wheelchairs is reduced but not eliminated. It is recommended that the device be detached, or the mount be removed from the wheelchair before the wheelchair is vacated.
[GO TO: FOLDING MOUNT ROP Version]
REAR FOLDING MOUNT DRFM6
The DAESSY Rear Folding Mount (DRFM6) is folded away behind the backrest of the wheelchair when not needed.
The Rear Folding Mount will usually be permanently attached part way down the side of the wheelchair and cannot be lifted out of its attachment clamp.
Two flexible joints, one located at the attachment to the wheelchair the other between the two tubes permit a three step rearward folding action. The complete rear folding motion cannot be performed by the user and assistance is essential. The extended position of the horizontal tube during the rear folding motion forms a long lever-arm and the device MUST BE GUIDED through this motion and not allowed to drop suddenly onto the forward or rearward stops.
While the Rear Folding Mount is effective in placing the mounted device in an unobtrusive and reasonably protected location when folded it does have specific limitations. The Rear Folding Mount is not suitable for wheelchairs with a tilting seat system.
The rear folding motion, through an arc of about 90º from a forward leaning 45º angle to a rearward leaning 45º angle means that mounted device is also rotated through 90º. The screen of a laptop computer or similar device should be closed before folding the Rear Folding Mount.
The permanent attachment located part way along the side of the wheelchair makes this mount unsuitable for self-propelled manual wheelchairs with large wheels.
The Rear Folding Mount is most suitable for power wheelchairs and while it may be used for stroller-type chairs the weight of the attached device and the short wheelbase of these chairs may result in an unstable situation when the mount is folded.
As the side tube passes down the side of the wheelchair during the folding action care must be taken that the user keeps their arm or hand clear.
A separate component may be obtained to make the DAESSY Rear Folding Mount from the wheelchair; the Removable Inner Piece Assembly (RFCI-RFCR) is inserted within the Frame Clamp assembly to allow easy removal of the outer portion of the Frame Clamp assembly and attached mount.
LOCKABLE REAR FOLDING MOUNT DLRFM8
The DAESSY Lockable Rear Folding Mount DLRFM8 functions in the same way as the Rear Folding Mount with the added feature of a Lock Mechanism to hold the mount in place while in use.
The Lock Mechanism allows this mount assembly to be used on a wheelchair with a tilting seat systems.
Unlike other DAESSY mounting assemblies the DAESSY Lockable Rear Folding Mount is directional and the attachment side of the wheelchair must be specified at time of order to receive the correct Lock Mechanism.
The Lockable Rear Folding Mount is suitable only for power wheelchairs. The user cannot perform the complete rear folding sequence assistance is essential. The Lock Mechanism must be unlocked prior to folding and relocked when brought to the front.
The extended position of the Horizontal Tube during the folding sequence form a a long lever-arm and the device must be guided through the entire rearward or forward motion and not permitted to drop suddenly onto the stops.
As the Side Tube passes down the side of the wheelchair during the folding action care must be taken that the user keeps their arm or hand clear.
Large devices may protrude behind the wheelchair when folded and may pass very close to the user during the folding sequence if they are mounted at an angle to provide user access in-use.
A separate component may be obtained to make the DAESSY Lockable Rear Folding Mount from the wheelchair; the Removable Inner Piece Assembly (RFCI-RFCR) is inserted within the Frame Clamp assembly to allow easy removal of the outer portion of the Frame Clamp assembly and attached mount.
[GO TO: LOCKABLE REAR FOLDING MOUNT]
LOCKING SWING-AWAY MOUNT DLSA7
The DAESSY Locking Swing-away Mount - DLSA7 was developed in response to many requests for a device mount that could be moved out of the way and back into place by the user.
Similar in appearance to the Rigid Mount but very different in structure the Locking Swing-away Mount consists of a single length of tube bent to a right angle shape and supported in a clamp that allows the mount to be swung away from the user in the manner of a gate.
A locking mechanism located at the clamp and operated by a cable running underneath the mounted device controls the swing-away action.
In some applications the mount may be swung completely around and locked beside the wheelchair to allow the user to approach a table or desk.
In common with the Rigid and Folding Mounts the device may be readily detached and the Locking Swing-away Mount may be lifted completely out of the clamp on the wheelchair.
CAUTION: The Locking Swing-away Mount is not suitable for wheelchairs with a tilting seat system.
When the Locking Swing-away Mount is swung away the device is located outside the wheels of the wheelchair which makes it vulnerable to collision if the wheelchair is driven.
In the swung away position the weight of the device may unbalance a manual wheelchair. When used on this type of chair the mount should be removed or the mounted device detached before the chair is vacated.
[GO TO: LOCKING SWING AWAY MOUNT]
DESK MOUNT DM
The Desk Mount consists of a base and U-shaped tube that holds the quick release base to match the device adapter.
With large and heavy devices the device must be placed within the area of the Desk Mount base to reduce any tendency to tip. The Desk Mount may slide about when the keyboard or touch screen is directly accessed.
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