decon Gw22k Gearwheel User Manual
- October 27, 2023
- decon
Table of Contents
User Manual
Gw22k Gearwheel
EU Declaration of Conformity
The undersigned, representing the following manufacturer
Gearwheel AB
Org.No. 556696-9696
Flottiljgatan 49, 721 31 Vasteras Sweden
hereby declares that the product
GEARWHEEL
with the basic UDI-DI 735013265GWRA
and the following references
| GW22K | GW24K | GW25K |
|---|---|---|
| GW22KA | GW24KA | GW25KA |
| GW22L | GW24L | GW25L |
| GW22LA | GW24LA | GW2SLA |
is in conformity with the Medical Device Regulation (MDR) 2017/745 as a class
I medical device based on Annex VIII.
Intended purpose: The device is a mechanic drive unit for manual wheelchairs
with the intention to provide mobility and flexibility to persons who are
unable to walk or have restrictions on walking. The device is intended for
indoor and outdoor use.
This EU declaration of conformity is issued according to Annex IV in MDR and
under sole responsibility of the manufacturer.
If you are visually impaired, this document can be viewed in pdf-format at www.decon.se
Introduction
GEARWHEEL is very pleased that you have chosen our wheels for your wheelchair.
We are committed to developing a strong relationship with users based on a
positive experience, both in the use of their wheelchairs and in their
dealings with us as a company, GEARWHEEL`s geared wheelchair wheels are
designed to make propelling easier in widely varying terrains and situations.
The mechanical solution offers a choice of gear ratios with the huge added
benefit of an integrated hill-holder. The gearchange is operated with a shift
lever on the outside of the wheels. The wheels incorporate a quick release,
operated by a user-friendly hoop.
We also encourage you to read the operating manual for your particular
wheelchair model where important information is available regarding proper
wheelchair use.
Intended users
GEARWHEELs geared wheelchair wheels are intended for personal and everyday use, both indoors and outdoors, for users who have limited mobility or cannot walk. GEARWHEEL’s wheelchair wheels are tested for a user weight of up to 125 kg. GEARWHEELs geared wheelchair wheels are intended for use on a range of
different wheelchair models and only in conjunction with the appropriate
GEARWHEEL designed adaptors.
Contact
For matter regarding customer service, delivery, please contact:| For matter
regarding product, construction and CE-marking, please contact:
---|---
DeconWheel AB
Södra Ekeryd 119
314 93 Hyltebruk| Gearwheel AB
Flottiljgatan 49
721 31 Västerås
info@decon.se
www.decon.se
Tel: +46 (0)345-40 880| info@gearwheel.se
www.gearwheel.se
Tel: +46 (0)70-69 59 427
Description
GEARWHEEL has developed a solution with fully mechanically geared wheelchair
wheels that can be mounted on existing wheelchairs on the market. The patented
solution combines the ability to shift to different gears on the wheelchair
within a design that is not significantly different from ordinary wheelchair
wheels.
Gear-changing makes possible a greater self-propelling capability.
The difference can be great for certain user groups and can be significant
where ground level differences, thresholds, carpeting, lawns or maybe the last
incline to ones home is a natural part of everyday life.
A shifter on each wheel changes gear between two different ratios, direct
drive (1:1) and a lower ratio. Added to this is an integrated hillholder. The
wheels are supplied with an adaptor, specific to each wheelchair model, that
enables the correct functioning of the gears.
Warnings
Using GEARWHEEL can affect the chair’s balance and its tipping sensitivity.
Read and carefully follow the instructions in the GEARWHEEL manual as well as
the instructions contained in the wheelchair manufacturer’s User Manual for
the specific wheelchair model.
Risk of injury in the center of the wheel hub, where there is a gap between
the spoke guard and the center of hub.
Risk of tipping backwards when the gear is in reverse lock position, Hill-
holder. Never use the chair without anti-tippers.
The product is not crash-tested and is therefore not intended to be used for
transport in vehicles.
| Using GEARWHEEL can affect the chair’s balance and its tipping sensitivity.
---|---
| Read and carefully follow the instructions in the GEARWHEEL manual as well
as the instructions contained in the wheelchair manufacturer’s User Manual
for the specific wheelchair model.
| Risk of injury in the center of the wheel hub, where there is a gap between
the spoke guard and the center of hub.
| Risk of tipping backwards when the gear is in reverse lock position, Hill-
holder. Never use the chair without anti-tippers.
| The product is not crash-tested and is therefore not intended to be used for
transport in vehicles.
Safety precautions
Important
Check delivered products
- Check the products supplied by GEARWHEEL.
Make sure you have one pair (2 units) of geared wheelchair wheels.
- Make sure you have one pair of the correct adaptors for your specific wheelchair model.
- Make sure you have the correct hand rims.
Check GEARWHEEL’s equipment
Ensure the following:
- The wheels’ axles are easy to move in and out of their receivers.
- The wheels are attached properly after assembly on the wheelchair, both in neutral and shifted position.
- The Quick Release hoop on the outside of the wheel locks the wheel when not lifted up.
- None of the four wheels on the wheelchair is in the air when the chair is on a flat surface.
- The rotation lock is in the correct position. This means that the peg on the inside of each wheel is properly inserted in the hole in the adaptor when the wheel is attached, see figure 8.7.
Balance and tipping sensitivity
| The ability to change gear on the wheelchair and the engagement of the
hill-holder can adversely affect the balance and tipping sensitivity.
---|---
Operating Instructions
| Before using GEARWHEEL: Read and follow the instructions in the user
manual.
---|---
In addition to the instructions that come from the wheelchair manufacturer, it is important that you practice using your geared wheelchair wheel. Anti-tip stabilisers MUST be used. Take the proper time to familiarise yourself with your new wheels so that you are as comfortable as possible with the various conditions that the gearing options provide. If you have any questions about using GEARWHEEL geared wheels on your wheelchair, please feel free to contact us or your local sales representative.
Gear lever and finger pinching hazard
| Risk of finger pinching between the shift lever and the spoke guard. Never
use the wheels without the spoke guards.
Risk of finger pinching at the center of the wheel hub, where there is a gap
between the spoke guard and the hub.
---|---
Wheel and gear management
- To remove the wheels, the gear should preferably be in the direct drive (1:1) position (the gear lever is in the vertical position).
- It is possible to change gear both when stationary and in motion. However, the gearbox works more smoothly when the wheelchair is in motion.
- Check that the wheel is attached by pulling the wheel outwards and even shifting gears once, and ensure that the wheel does not slide out from its mounting on the chair.
- Inspect GEARWHEEL’s geared wheelchair wheels once a month as instructed in Section 8.
Overview – drive wheel
- Hand rim
- Gear lever
- Spoke guard – not visable in picture
- Quick release – QR-hoop
Operation
Gear changing
The gearbox has three positions: direct drive (1:1), low gear, and low gear +
hill hold.
- Direct drive (1:1) – As in a regular wheel where the hand rim rotates at the same speed as the wheel
- Low gear – The hand rim rotates faster than the wheel, reducing the effort required to push the chair by about 40%.
- Low gear + hill hold – In addition to the lower gear, the wheels are locked from rolling backwards. Note that this greatly increases the risk of tipping backwards, since the user cannot control the balance of the wheelchair in the normal way.
To select low gear, move the shift lever forward as far as it will go (Figure 8.1) To switch back to direct drive (1:1), move the shift lever backward until it reaches its vertical position (Figure 8.2). To switch to reverse lock (hill-holder) mode, move the shift lever backward (Figure 8.3). To switch back to 1: 1, push the shift lever forward to its vertical position (Figure 8.4)
| Risk of tipping backwards increases when the gear is in reverse lock/ hill-
holder mode. Tipping protection must be used.
---|---
- It is possible to shift gears when in stationary position but it is easier and more convenient to shift when in motion.
- The hill-hold function shall be used regularly, at least once a week to ensure full functionality.
Important
It is possible to shift gears both while stationary and when in motion.
However, the gearbox works more smoothly when the wheelchair is in motion.
Remove and secure the wheels
Unlock the wheels by lifting the QR–hoop (Figure 8.5) and pull the wheel
straight out (Figure 8.6). To re-fix the wheel lift the QR-hoop, insert the
wheel axle in its receiver on the chair whilst at the same time engaging the
peg on the wheel’s rotation arm with the receiver in the adaptor on the
wheelchair (Figure 8.7). The wheel’s QR-hoop then drops down to its parked
position and the wheel is locked in place (Figure 8.8).
Important
- It is preferable to remove the wheel when the gear lever is in the direct drive (1:1) position.
- Check that the wheel is attached to the chair by pulling it outwards and even shifting gears once to see that it does not slide out.
- Make sure the rotation lock is properly fitted. The peg on the rotation arm is engaged in the receiver in the adaptor on the wheelchair.
Settings
The wheelchair settings and adjustments are made according to the wheelchair
manufacturer’s instructions. GEARWHEEL wheelchair wheels provide the user with
the unique ability to change gear. Although the GEARWHEEL gearbox design is
designed to require no adjustment, the user is advised to check the wheelchair
and the adaptors if the system is not operating normally.
Maintenance and care
GEARWHEEL recommends, in addition to the instructions given by the wheelchair manufacturer for the wheelchair model, the following maintenance.
Monthly
- Check the pressure in the tyres. Unscrew the valve cap and reinflate the tyre. Maximum tyre pressure is 9 bar. Check for any damage and wear. If solid tyres are used check for cracks due to age or wear.
- Check that the brakes/wheel locks function normally and satisfactorily.
- Use a mild detergent to clean the parts of the wheel. Lubricate moving parts very lightly with suitable lubricant after washing. (light oil, e.g. 3-in-1)
- Thoroughly clean the quick-release axles and lubricate very lightly. Rain, sand, salt, debris, or prolonged periods in which the wheels are not removed mean cleaning and lubrication need to happen more often.
- Check that the screws and nuts are tightened.
- Check that the shift lever locks in its end positions (Downshift and downshift + hillhold) and that the gear shift works correctly in each gear.
- Check the gear system for damage. In case of damage to wheels and gear mechanism, contact Decon AB, or a Decon appointed.
Information about corrosion
All gearwheel parts that may be subject to corrosion are made of aluminium,
stainless steel or steel. The materials and the transitions between the
materials have been surface- treated, which is why there is no increased risk
of corrosion.
Transport in vehicles
| The product is not crash-tested and is therefore not intended to be used for
transport in vehicles
---|---
Warranty and service life
GEARWHEEL provides 2 years of factory warranty on drive wheel hub, gear
assembly, with the exception of gear shift and adaptor systems. Other items,
12 months, with the exception of wearing parts. The expected service life of
the complete product (not wearing parts) is five years from the date of sale.
Waste management and recycling of materials
The following is a description of the materials in GEARWHEEL construction, with regard to possible waste disposal and recycling of materials.
- Aluminium: Hub, wheel rim, handrim (depending on the model), brackets
- Rubber: tires, handrim (depending on the model)
- Plastic: spoke guard, gear lever, handrim (depending on the model)
- Steel: screws, springs, front axle in gear system, spokes, quick release axles, shift handle
When GEARWHEEL has reached the end of its service life and needs to be
scrapped, contact the local authority for information on recycling and follow
their instructions. Alternatively, you can contact your retailer to recycle
your used GEARWHEEL.
When GEARWHEEL is to be transferred to a new user, all technical documents
must also be transferred. The product must be cleaned by a professional,
disinfected and serviced.
Marking plate
The marking plate is located on the GEARWHEEL wheel. The exact designation and
technical specifications relating to the product are indicated on the
nameplate. When contacting Decon, please quote the serial number (labeled
SN).
EXAMPLE
| Manufacturing date
---|---
H000309
| Serial number
| Manufacturing company
| Max load
| CE mark
****| Operating instructions
Technical Specifications
Weight without hand rim and without tire: 2551 g
Wheelsizes: 22″, 24″ and 25″
Chair’s adjustable width increase: approx. 3 cm
Max User Weight: 125 kg
CE marking: 93/42/EEC
Type of tyres: Pneumatic tyres: Dimension 24×1, 25-540, max bar 9.
Tyre punctures: Replace with product that meets the specification.
Contact your medical equipment supplier if needed.
Information about product safety and recall issues
Contact the reseller where the product was purchased or the manufacture of
GEARWHEEL for information about product safety or any recall information.
Gearwheel AB Flottiljgatan 49 721 31 Västerås
E-mail: info@gearwheel.se
www.gearwheel.se
Tel: +46 (0)70-69 59 427