A novel accelerometer tilt switch device for switch actuation in the patient with profound disability.

Perring, Stephen; Summers, Anthony; Jones, Emma L; Bowen, Frances J; Hart, Katharine · Arch Phys Med Rehabil · 2003

case_report · Level V

Where this comes from

Abstract

We describe the design and operation of a new switch that can be operated by patients with severely limited movement. The basis for the switch is an inexpensive single-chip accelerometer device. The switch responds to a relatively rapid rotation of the active components. We have ensured that the sensitivity of the switch device is adjustable over a wide range. The device automatically adjusts for changes in attitude of the device that result from a patient changing posture. We show that the device can operate in a wide range of attitudes. We describe 2 case studies in which the switch was successfully used as a head tilt switch.

Medical subject headings