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
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.
The 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.
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
It is important to insert the appropriate washers to lock the components together so we put together an illustration:
The end result is a happy customer. Shown is the 18" Super Duty flexible gooseneck arm and Extra Large Adjustable Tablet Mount.
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
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.
The 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.
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
It is important to insert the appropriate washers to lock the components together so we put together an illustration:
The end result is a happy customer. Shown is the 18" Super Duty flexible gooseneck arm and Extra Large Adjustable Tablet Mount.
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