News

An Affordable Flexible Gooseneck iPad or Tablet Attachment to an Invacare TDX SP2 Power Wheelchair

Among the many uses for SnakeClamp flexible arm products is the assistive devices category. Our products are used to to position and hold all kinds of objects - including iPads/tablets, smartphones, cups/drinks, joystick controllers, etc. - for folks with limited mobility.

We visited recently with a longtime SnakeClamp customer in Charleston, SC who uses an iPad SnakeClamp to attach his iPad to an Invacare TDX SP2 power wheelchair.  The purpose of the visit was to get a first hand look at the powerchair and determine if the SnakeClamp could be permanently attached to the chair.  The powerchair supplier - Bobby Bryant from PHC Health - also joined us.

One of the features of the TDX SP2 is the ability of the chair to tilt back from the base.  So we did not want to attach the SnakeClamp to the base, but rather to the chair itself so that it would also move when the chair was tilted back.  Then the iPad would always be in the same position relative to the user.

Invacare TDX SP2 Power Wheelchair

Invacare TDX SP2 Power Wheelchair

While looking over the chair we discovered a T-slot on the side of the chair which is used to attach various components such as side rails. Bobby had a sample t-nut which we inserted into the slot for testing.

T-slot in Invacare TDX SP2 power wheelchairThe T-Slot bar on the side of the TDX SP2 chair

After some tinkering we came up with the idea of inserting a 3/8" button-head screw into the slot, along with an internal-tooth washer to prevent rotation.

Button head screw inserted into t-slot of Invacare TDX SP2 power wheelchair

3/8" button-head screw inserted into t-slot

On the outside of the t-slot we installed a SnakeClamp coupling (SCP-CPL) which has slot cuts for tightening.  With the internal-tooth lockwasher on the inside of the slot we were able to tighten the assembly without any slipping.

We then attached a SnakeClamp 90 Degree Angle Adapter (SCP-90) and Quick Disconnect (SCP-QD).  The Quick Disconnect is optional, but this allows the customer to quickly remove the entire SnakeClamp flexible arm and iPad from the chair with a quick push and twist.

SnakeClamp Coupling, 90 Degree Angle Adapter and Quick Disconnect

SnakeClamp coupling, 90 degree angle adapter and quick disconnect

It is important to insert the appropriate washers to lock the components together so we put together an illustration:

How to attach a flexible gooseneck arm to a power wheelchair powerchair Invacare TDX SP2

The end result is a happy customer.  Shown is the 18" Super Duty flexible gooseneck arm and Extra Large Adjustable Tablet Mount.

iPad SnakeClamp flexible gooseneck arm attached to Invacare TDX SP2 power wheelchair powerchair

iPad SnakeClamp flexible gooseneck iPad stand mount Invacare TDX SP2 power wheelchair powerchair

 

Thank you to Reynaldo Acosta for inviting us into his home and for the technical assistance of Bobby Bryant.

UPDATE 5/20/19 -  we have added a "Powerchair Hardware Pack" that includes all of the hardware shown in the picture.  This does not include the Quick Disconnect, which is optional and can be purchased separately.

https://snakeclamp.com/products/powerchair-hardware-pack

 

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Among the many uses for SnakeClamp flexible arm products is the assistive devices category. Our products are used to to position and hold all kinds of objects - including iPads/tablets, smartphones, cups/drinks, joystick controllers, etc. - for folks with limited mobility.

We visited recently with a longtime SnakeClamp customer in Charleston, SC who uses an iPad SnakeClamp to attach his iPad to an Invacare TDX SP2 power wheelchair.  The purpose of the visit was to get a first hand look at the powerchair and determine if the SnakeClamp could be permanently attached to the chair.  The powerchair supplier - Bobby Bryant from PHC Health - also joined us.

One of the features of the TDX SP2 is the ability of the chair to tilt back from the base.  So we did not want to attach the SnakeClamp to the base, but rather to the chair itself so that it would also move when the chair was tilted back.  Then the iPad would always be in the same position relative to the user.

Invacare TDX SP2 Power Wheelchair

Invacare TDX SP2 Power Wheelchair

While looking over the chair we discovered a T-slot on the side of the chair which is used to attach various components such as side rails. Bobby had a sample t-nut which we inserted into the slot for testing.

T-slot in Invacare TDX SP2 power wheelchairThe T-Slot bar on the side of the TDX SP2 chair

After some tinkering we came up with the idea of inserting a 3/8" button-head screw into the slot, along with an internal-tooth washer to prevent rotation.

Button head screw inserted into t-slot of Invacare TDX SP2 power wheelchair

3/8" button-head screw inserted into t-slot

On the outside of the t-slot we installed a SnakeClamp coupling (SCP-CPL) which has slot cuts for tightening.  With the internal-tooth lockwasher on the inside of the slot we were able to tighten the assembly without any slipping.

We then attached a SnakeClamp 90 Degree Angle Adapter (SCP-90) and Quick Disconnect (SCP-QD).  The Quick Disconnect is optional, but this allows the customer to quickly remove the entire SnakeClamp flexible arm and iPad from the chair with a quick push and twist.

SnakeClamp Coupling, 90 Degree Angle Adapter and Quick Disconnect

SnakeClamp coupling, 90 degree angle adapter and quick disconnect

It is important to insert the appropriate washers to lock the components together so we put together an illustration:

How to attach a flexible gooseneck arm to a power wheelchair powerchair Invacare TDX SP2

The end result is a happy customer.  Shown is the 18" Super Duty flexible gooseneck arm and Extra Large Adjustable Tablet Mount.

iPad SnakeClamp flexible gooseneck arm attached to Invacare TDX SP2 power wheelchair powerchair

iPad SnakeClamp flexible gooseneck iPad stand mount Invacare TDX SP2 power wheelchair powerchair

 

Thank you to Reynaldo Acosta for inviting us into his home and for the technical assistance of Bobby Bryant.

UPDATE 5/20/19 -  we have added a "Powerchair Hardware Pack" that includes all of the hardware shown in the picture.  This does not include the Quick Disconnect, which is optional and can be purchased separately.

https://snakeclamp.com/products/powerchair-hardware-pack

 

Read more


Gaffers Tape – A simple solution to a slippery problem

We make two mounting solutions for attaching SnakeClamps to things that are round: pipes/rods/railings such as the tubes on wheelchairs, lamp posts, hospital bed rails and the like.  Occasionally customers alert us to slippage when their SnakeClamps support heavier items Read More ...

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We make two mounting solutions for attaching SnakeClamps to things that are round: pipes/rods/railings such as the tubes on wheelchairs, lamp posts, hospital bed rails and the like.  Occasionally customers alert us to slippage when their SnakeClamps support heavier items Read More ...

Read more


SnakeClamp–Adapting to Meet Needs

Soon after launching SnakeClamp products, several inquiries were sent regarding products to assist with adaptive needs. SnakeClamp has worked with customers over the years to meet those needs, offering several customized items designed with these adaptive needs specifically in mind. Read More ...

Read more

Soon after launching SnakeClamp products, several inquiries were sent regarding products to assist with adaptive needs. SnakeClamp has worked with customers over the years to meet those needs, offering several customized items designed with these adaptive needs specifically in mind. Read More ...

Read more