Support / Technical Bulletins / Technical Bulletins / 2024 / TB UK235 - SEDEO Single Post Flip Back Armrest

TB UK235 - SEDEO Single Post Flip Back Armrest

01/03/2024

 

 As a result of post market surveillance and our continuous improvement program, we have made a design change to the SEDEO single post flip back armrest. 

The SEDEO single post flip back armrest used on the Q300 R / M, Q400 M & Q500 M / F / R had historically contained small amounts of play to allow for the free movement of the armrest, allowing it to flip backwards. We have been made aware that over time this play increases to an undesirable level, especially if the client users a joystick on the affected armrest. 

Root Cause:

 

 Following our investigation, we found two areas for improvement: 

  1. An increase in tolerances that have occurred from wear in the manufacturing tool over time, led to increased free play in the parts, causing the excess movement detailed above. 

 

  1. The internal composite bump stop shown in Fig 1, (not visible unless the mechanism is disassembled), that is designed to hold tension to the flip back armrest mechanism, was compressing under load and wearing over time. 

 

A combination of these two factors has led to increased play in the single post flip back armrest mechanism when locked in the upright position. 

Corrective Action & Design Improvement

 

 Design Change 

  1. The internal composite bump stop has been changed to a steel bump stop plate. Using a stronger material eliminates the play that occurs over time. 

 

  1. An additional adjustment screw has been introduced to the underside of the flip back mechanism. This can be adjusted to remove any extra play and movement in the armrest. 

 

Please do not over tighten the screw, and after adjustment please make sure the flip up force is still acceptable as increasing the stiffness of the armrest increases the force needed to flip it back. 

This new adjustment screw can be readjusted further down the line as play and wear may develop over time, resulting in a stronger, sturdier, and more durable armrest. 

Implementation Timing

The new design will be introduced into UK Production from January 22nd 2024 on all UK Manufactured Powerchairs with this option. This includes QUICKIE Q300 R, Q300 M Mini, Q400 M and Q500 M 

This option will be introduced as a running change in our European Manufacturing Plant from 1st April 2024, for the QUICKIE Q500 R / F, QUICKIE Q700 R / F / M and QUICKIE Q700 M HD. 

This design change affects all option codes ending 040019: 

Retro Fitting and Upgrading chair in the field.

 

As this design change is part of our continuous improvement program and is not safety critical there is no mandatory requirement to upgrade chairs in the field.

 

However, if you wish to upgrade a specific clients chair, or upgrade to the new design as parts of routine maintenance or recycling and refurbishment we have introduced a simple retro fit kit that can be supplied to you via our Technical Service Centre or your Area Sales Manager.

 

 

Part Number                   22504209

 

Description                      Flip Up Lever Assembly Spare Kit - Pair

 

NHS Price                         £12.00

 

Rework Instructions

Overview of Assembly and Summary of rework

 

 

 

Overview of Assembly and Summary of rework

  • Here is shown an overview of the Armrest Assembly and summary of the rework.

 

  • The Armrest Flip Up Lever Assembly is to be replaced by 22504209, containing 2 x Flip Up Lever Assemblies – Shown as Item 1

 

  • By removing the Slot / Slot Nut –
    Shown as Item 2

 

  • This will allow you to remove the Hex Nut – Shown as Item 3

 

  • And finally remove the Threaded insets Bolt – Shown as Item 4

 

  • Removing these 4 fixings will allow the aluminium armrest post to be removed from the flip up armrest assembly, and for this to be replaced using the upgrade kit.

 

 

Detailed below and full fitting instructions to follow.

 

 

Step 1

 

  1. Remove the slotted locking nut using a large flat headed screwdriver.

 

 

Step 2 

 

  1. Remove the hex nut shown to right using a 24mm socket wrench

Step 3 

 

1. Now push out the inner threaded insert

 

Step 4 

 

With all fixings removed you must now dissemble the armrest assembly as shown to the right

 

  1. Slide of the armrest upper extrusion from the flip back mechanism

 

  1. Remove the armrest lower assembly from the flip back mechanism.

Step 5

 

  1. Replace the existing Flip back mechanism with the new parts provided in kit 22504209.

 

  1. Reassemble the assembly following the steps in reverse using the torque settings shown to the right.

Sunrise Medical have introduced this design Improvement as part of our continuous improvement program, and we thank our customers for providing us with the feedback on our products which has made this possible to implement.

 

This design improvement has been introduced to improve the functionality and usability of our powered wheelchairs, removing the free play that can occur over time in the flip back armrest mechanism. The additional adjustment screw enables the armrest to be readjusted as play may increase over time or to be tailored to the need of the end user.

 

This update is not safety critical and therefore you are NOT required to carry out any mandatory upgrades to products in the field.

 

If you wish to upgrade a specific clients chair, or upgrade to the new design as parts of routine maintenance or recycling and refurbishment we have introduced a simple retro fit kit that can be supplied to you via our Technical Service Centre or your Area Sales Manager.