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Benefits to users
- Custom seats that are Individually shaped and fully supportive (potentially head to toe)
- Dynamic seating that moves with the user; shock absorbing and flexible
- Corrective spinal support can be built in – a true seating orthosis
- Shape adjustments can be made directly whilst the user is seated improving fit quality
- New direct fitting techniques improve accuracy and reduce delivery times and return appointments
- New 'off-the-shelf' backs can mean same-day delivery
Additional Benefits of the Matrix System for service providers and seating specialists
- Workshop time is 30 to 40% less than earlier systems partly because of limited need for structural reinforcement
- Skills needed for system finishing have been reduced by design changes
- New fitting techiques make accurate fitting possible nearly eliminating additional intermediate fitting appointments – more efficient supply
Additional Features
- Using stainless steel minimises corrosion whilst giving substantial strength.
- About 20% lighter than earlier systems due to less framing.
- A 'clip together' clamp design minimises parts handling and makes the fitting and finishing processes more efficient
- A special connector (2-ball unit) can be placed in the gap between the top and bottom clamp halves. If the clamp is rotated surrounding clamps can be drawn together allowing three dimensional curves to be easily followed
- Three connector grades (soft, medium, hard) allow structural flexiblility where clinically needed. It also allows more complex zonal hinging of sections of the structure for corrective spinal support.
Cladding and reinforcement – attaching to the wheelchair
- Matrix needs minimal reinforcement. Cladding can be added whenever and wherever needed
- Cladding is available in Aluminium, Stainless Steel and Carbon Fibre
- The channel interface allows permanent or removable wheelchair interfacing with optional back reinforcement/head support mounting
Flexible Matrix
Flexibility is now 'programmable' in soft, medium and firm grades that will allow hinging and recoverable structural flexing, so shape can change due to temporary increases in load (eg. a spasm).
This is a new product with development ongoing. It can only be used with MX2 components (not the 1st generation Matrix) because of the high quality of clamp/ball locking that is required. Flexion of the assembly needs to be in the body of the 4-ball unit so that movement in the ball and socket joint does not occur; if movement were to occur then the shape of the Matrix Shell would be lost under load, an undesirable feature clinically.
The following applications of this new technology are seen at this time to be:
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Hinging: Shaped thoracic pads could be hinged to the lateral side structure so as to allow de-rotation of the spine in complex spinal deformities. Retraction of the shoulders may also be possible.
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Softening Edges: Rows of 4-ball units could be located at the front edge of the seat (under the thighs behind the knees) with the first row using the softest (25), then the medium (60) and finally the firmest grade (120).
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Dynamic Head Support: Various grades of 4-ball unit could be located on the side of the headrest where extensor thrust forces could be expected allowing the headrest to move under load and return to normal shape when the spasm has passed.
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Dynamic Seating: Major areas of a seating and back system could be hinged to allow these segments to move under extensor thrusting patterns.
Matrix Total Contouring Back Support
| The Matrix Total Contouring Back Support combines the proven V-Trak wheelchair mounting system, from Performance Health Products, with MSL's technology to produce an off-the-shelf back support that can be shaped directly to the client's back. Once formed and locked the Matrix Back is used as a one-piece support that can easily be removed from the wheelchair with PHP's cam locking levers. PHP's equipment range will allow the back support to be fitted to almost any wheelchair with a very wide positioning range. |
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| Matrix Back |
Matrix Back on a seat |
The main benefits of the Matrix Total Contouring Back Support are:
- Three-dimensional, intimately fitting back contours, in a one-piece, easily-removable unit
- An increase in surface area compared to conventional lateral supports of 2 to 3 times minimises pressure and maximizes corrective positioning
- Easy increase or reduction in effective seat depth
- Variable tilt of the backrest and easy height adjustment with central mounting bracket
- Asymmetrical positioning of Matrix shell within support arm adjustment range
- Removable system for wheelchair folding or weight reduction when lifting
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The Matrix is a specialised system for seat and back support. The design uses parts, a clamp and connectors to create an optimal clinically supportive shape. Whenever necessary the shape can be unlocked and changed. This 'segmented structure' gives greater comfort, function and corrective postural m
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