Introduction To The Manual; Quick Start; History - Invacare SHAPE SENSOR User Manual

INTRODUCTION TO THE MANUAL

A user centered approach is needed to meet the
unique needs of each individual. The use of this
manual requires that the clinician have an under-
standing of their own needs as well as the clients
they are serving. Individuals with good clinical skills
may find the sections on "Orienting the client on the
surfaces" to be common sense and be totally baffled
by some of the more technical aspects. The
"techies" may shy away from manipulating
someone's pelvis with their hands, but be right at
home electronically digitizing these same surfaces.
The "Quick Start" section will allow those with previ-
®
ous Silhouette experience to confirm the neces-
sary steps to successful completion of a system. It
can also be used by everyone as a checklist to make
sure steps and information are not left out of the
process.
The clinician has a responsibility when using
®
the Silhouette System as there is a process
involved, not just a product. This process al-
lows for increased flexibility and versatility, but
if not fully understood and practiced, it can lead
to misapplication.
Please read this manual at least once, cover to
cover. Do this before the first client arrives! Hope-
fully, most of your questions will be answered, but if
they aren't, call the customer service staff at
Invacare (1-800-451-3553).
Good luck using the Silhouette

QUICK START

1. Lock castors at the rear of the frame.
2. Check the seat and back surfaces for flatness
and plunger position.
3. Lock the back sensor panel. Depress the handle
and pivot forward.
4. Set and lock the seat depth. (Makes sure both
pointers read the same.)
5. Set and lock the back angle.
6. Apply data forms to the data panels.
7. Insert data forms into receiving channels.
8. Take baseline for seat and back.
9. Transfer client to Shape Sensor.
10. Orient client on Shape Sensor surfaces.
QUICK START (CONTINUED)
11. Readjust surfaces to fit client.
12. Adjust footrests and armrests.
13. Stabilize client and pull back sensor lever for-
14. Modify back shape to fit client (scapula, lateral
15. Record seat and back shape.
16. Confirm measurements for seat depth/tilt, back
17. Transfer client off of Shape Sensor.
18. Remove the data panels.
19. Record serial numbers onto order form.
20. Determine necessary modifications/options and
21. Determine interfacing.
22. Complete order form.
23. Fax or modem in order.

HISTORY

In the late 1980's the National Institute on Disability
and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR) provided grant
funds to the University of Virginia's Rehabilitation En-
®
system!
gineering Center to study the usefulness of custom
contoured cushions by individuals with a spinal cord
injury. This research was conducted primarily by
Drs. Steven Sprigle and Kao-Chi Chung along with
Tom Faisant RPT.
The results of this research showed that custom
contoured foam cushions provided statistically lower
pressure distributions than the clients' usual cush-
ions. Along with a decrease in pressure, the au-
thors felt that improvements in posture and balance
were also realized. The researchers used an array
of 64 spring loaded plungers that were fitted with
linear potentiometers. When a client sat upon the
array of sensors, the amount of displacement at
each point was recorded by computer. The data
was later used to fabricate a cushion through the
use of a three-axis milling machine that carved a
block of HR (high-resilience) foam. This electronic
shape sensing system and computer assisted
manufacturing process was the start of the Silhou-
ette
5
ward.
trunk, etc.).
height/angle.
fill in order form. (cushion density, cushion cover,
rail cuts, leg length discrepancy, solid insert, lat-
eral supports, headrest, pelvic strap, Perfor-
mance™.)
®
System used today.
INTRODUCTION
I
N
T
R
O
D
U
C
T
I
O
N
98-110