Page 28 - Mobility Management, July 2018

Quantum’s Edge 3
being compressed on the ramp to releasing at the top. When the springs release at the top, they have a way of slamming the casters down as you enter the van. So there’s an everyday situation where simply going up a van ramp can cause the chair to create its own kind of unwanted movement.”
The Edge 3’s new suspension provides more control in such instances.
“With SRS suspension, because we’re using actual damping, caster arms no longer react based on simple compression and rebound on a spring,” Brislin noted. “They’re controlled, so when you travel over terrain, they’re conforming much more smoothly to different angles, giving you a ride that’s smooth and stable.”
Spasticity, Tone & Suspensions
That stability and smoother ride is no small detail to power chair users who experience episodes of spasticity.
“Your body responds in a way that you cannot control,” said Smith. “The only way to settle that is to give your body time to restore your neutral position, as I call it, and to allow your body to regain its sense of space.
“A lot of times, I have to stop, regain the composure of my body, so to speak, and then I can continue. In itself, it is physically fatiguing. You may be looking at 30, 40, 50 incidents a day. If we’re able to cut that by half or by a quarter, that’s a dramatic life improvement.”
A smoother ride is also critical for users who need to remain in a specific position to maintain optimal contact with driving controls, including head arrays, sip-and-puff systems and the kind of compact joystick that Smith uses.
“With shocks, vibration, jarring, etc., there’s always
a risk of taking you out of your position,” Brislin said. “Anytime someone who has postural needs is jostled out of position, functionality becomes an issue. That can be fatiguing or even dangerous because you’re trying to maintain or restore your position. If you’re using specialty controls, or you have to hold your joystick in a very specific position, anything that’s going to take you out of your positioning is a big problem.”
That’s a real-world example of when a suspension is about far more than just comfort.
“Suspension isn’t just about the ride,” Brislin said. ”It’s really about helping people to have more confidence in their ability to adequately control their power chairs and feel safe, secure and stable.”
4.5-mph iLevel & Edge 3
The Edge 3 development team also heard consumers who wanted to drive faster while using iLevel seat eleva- tion. New top speed while using iLevel is 4.5 mph, well
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The Edge 3 offers a driving speed of 4.5 mph with iLevel seat eleva- tion engaged — useful when visibility and quickness are important.
above average walking speed.
“The industry-first 4.5 mph speed is consumer driven,”
Brislin noted. “Consumers love being in iLevel for safety reasons: crossing streets and parking lots, anytime visi- bility as a pedestrian is key. iLevel makes a huge differ- ence in being seen. Consumers told us, ‘I’d like to be able to cross that street, I’d like to be able to cross that parking lot just a little bit faster.’ Fortunately, the new SRS suspension offers stability that allows us to travel 4.5 mph.
“Consumers don’t want to go faster just to go faster. It really is a functional feature.”
Edge 3 also has an upgraded battery option: the Interceptor, a hybrid gel battery that Brislin said offers about 20 percent greater battery range at a price comparable to that of a traditional gel battery.
The power base accepts Quantum’s range of seating, from Synergy/TRU-Balance 3 static seating (widths from 10" to 22"), to TRU-Balance 3 power tilt, TRU-Balance 3 Tilt with iLevel (widths from 12" to 22") and TRU-Balance Flex Seating (widths from 15" to 22"). A weight capacity of 300 lbs. makes the Edge 3 able to accommodate a full range of users, from kids up to larger adults.
Standard features include fender lights, a USB charger, and seven new colors, such as Blue Jean and Cherry Bomb, with corresponding colored wheel inserts. The features carry on the theme of a power base that’s consumer centered in every way.
“When it comes to the complex rehab segment, confi- dence in your mobility product is a big requirement,” Smith said. “People need to feel comfortable, feel secure, and feel in control of their power chairs. We’re confi-
dent — and I am, personally — that the Edge 3 makes noteworthy strides toward users’ increased confidence toward whatever their life pursuits may bring.” m
— Laurie Watanabe
MobilityMgmt.com