Track Stairlift – KSP Sherpa N900

The KSP SHERPA N900 Track Stairlift is suitable for non-ambulatory individuals who need to be moved to different floors within buildings lacking other suitable equipment, such as elevators or fixed stairlifts.

The device consists of a metal structure, manually driven by an attendant, moving on rubber tracks, equipped with a drawbar for “steering” with the attachment of the wheeled wheelchair. All control and emergency buttons for safe operation are installed on the rudder.

The drive is direct current, and power is supplied by rechargeable battery with charge indicator and external transformer.

Technical data:

Minimum landing maneuvering space 98 x 98 cm
Motor power 200 W
24 V supply voltage
Maximum staircase slope 35° (70%)
Operating temperature 0 – 45 °C
Autonomy 40 floors
Gross laden mass 182 kg
Device weight 52 kg
Maximum allowable load 130 kg
Maximum height of the 1st step 23 cm
Length 95 cm
Width 64 cm

Sherpa operation:

Maneuverability

Since the tracks are constrained to move at the same speed, the vehicle itself cannot curve while running.

To enable changes in direction, necessary for proper positioning of the device before embarking on an ascent or descent of a flight of stairs, there are two self-balancing wheels with instantaneous operation when needed.

Transport

Transportation of the device is particularly facilitated by the ability to disengage the “guide” rudder and the possibility of maneuvering the drive unit even in the absence of the rudder. Movement in the absence of a rudder is enabled by a push-button diverter on the lower rear panel.

The handling speed in this mode is reduced by 50% compared with that of normal operation.

Body Structure

The machine body consists of an electro-welded steel frame that gives the structure rigidity and strength .

The choice of components and their arrangement allowed for an extremely low height construction, making it easier to fit the various types of wheelchairs. The cataphoresis process protects and ensures longevity and hardness with special resistance to scratches.

Inside the machine body is located the gear motor, pulleys, tracks and all electrical parts not that the electronic board and batteries.

Rudder

The rudder is made from double electrowelded tubular of oval section, treated by chrome-plating process.

The structure results particularly compact without sacrificing the indispensable qualities of rigidity and strength.

Particular care was taken in the  attachment/release system of the handlebars to the frame, implementing an effective opposite-hook solution that requires minimal effort from the operator and does not allow for possible errors.

The system of adjusting the anchor points of the wheelchair on the handlebars is also designed with special care. Adjustment is particularly easy, and the locking system is secure and effective.

The padded headrest that can be adjusted to three positions through screw anchorage is housed on the helm.

At the end of the rudder is the handlebar and associated forward and reverse controls, the emergency mushroom, the power jack, and a multicolored LED indicating the “on” status of the machine and the state of charge of the batteries. At the bottom are I support arms for the wheelchair wheels.

Autonomy and charge

Since this is a battery-powered device, its range is limited.

On the top panel of the rudder, there is a multicolor LED that indicates the remaining battery charge.

It should be borne in mind that it constitutes routine maintenance to replace accumulators expiring between one and two years.

Technology

The track drive system is driven through toothed pulleys mounted on ball bearings.

Precise machining, care in assembly, and the implementation of an innovative track tensioning system have made it possible to increase quiet running, reduce friction with undeniable advantages in terms of autonomy, and contain torsion while increasing durability.

The tracks also have a larger number of gripping lugs, minimizing slippage.

Gearmotor
The heart of the traction system is the gear motor unit. Of particular importance is the torque on the slow shaft of the gearmotor, torque that can reach remarkable values under conditions of starting from a standstill, at maximum slope and with maximum load.

The sizing of the system plays a pivotal role in the reliability and longevity of the vehicle.

In this regard, the SHERPA N900 stairlift adopts a 20-mm diameter shaft and an electronic control unit to control traction torque.

In addition, the gearmotor is irreversible, and realizes a 1:37 reduction ratio.

This makes it possible to use a traction motor of about 925 rpm, more efficient, requiring less torque and thus more reliable and long-lived.

The irreversibility of the gearmotor itself constitutes a safe and reliable braking system in the absence of motion, therefore, in the event of voluntary or involuntary stopping of the machine by the driver, the SHERPA remains braked and thus completely stationary in the position it is in.

Electronics

A prominent feature of the vehicle is the adoption of an all-electronic control unit.

The drive of the traction motor and shunting motor is carried out through semiconductor power devices. This solution has countless advantages including:

• Ability to control the speed, acceleration and torque of the motor;
•  More reliable and durable system than electromechanical solutions;
•  Reduced inrush currents resulting in reduced radiated electromagnetic noise, longer motor life;
•  Longer range, fewer recharges, longer battery life;
•  Delayed controls to prevent machine operation in case of any accidental operation;
•  Automatic machine stop function if obstacles are hit or there is the presence of impediments on the path that do not allow the normal operation of the stairlift.

Security
The on-board electronics are entrusted with the control and operation of the entire device by inhibiting its operation if the safety conditions are not present:
Presence of power supply inside the machine when charging.
Rudder safety lever not engaged.
Emergency button activated
Automatic machine stop in case any obstacles are hit

Among the measures aimed at safety are mentioned:
Emergency manual device (by hand crank) for moving the stairlift in case of failure.
Emergency stop button located on the helm control panel.
Irreversible gear motor.
Beveled surfaces free of hollows and edges.
Totally protected moving parts.
Drawbar coupling system with relative safety lock.
Mechanical moving parts fully protected by ABS casing.
Presence of an in clinometer on the rudder control panel to monitor the slope of the ladder being traveled.

Performance
– Quiet running, elimination of clamp-type noises at starting and stopping (no contactors).
– Ride comfort: smooth starts and stops and no vibration.
– Safety: reductions in electromagnetic emissions, electrical and mechanical arrangements for improving the level of
general safety. (see “Safety” section)
– Maintenance: particular ease of assembly and maintenance of the medium. Wear parts are easily
replaceable due to easy access to mechanical fasteners and electrical system connectors.
– Quality: the production process is highly repeatable, ensuring high and consistent product quality

Batteries
– Maintenance-free sealed type

Intended use and exclusions
Indicated for totally nonambulatory individuals habitually residing in buildings without a suitable elevator, served by stairs not
surmountable by installing a ramp; or for overcoming architectural barriers.
Uses other than those expressly stated above are excluded.

Technical Characteristics
Art. N 900 Sherpa is a class 1 (CE) medical device made in accordance:
To the criteria of EEC Directive 93/42 implemented by Legislative Decree. No. 46b of 24/02/97
To the criteria of EN60601-1;
To the criteria of EN60601-1-2;
To the criteria of ISO 7176-28;
To the criteria of EN1441- risk analysis for medical devices.

Item deductible at 19% as a medical device CE by providing tax code at the time of payment.

NB: Purchase is contingent upon acceptance of liability release form that will be sent to you at the time of purchase. Alternatively, possibility of demonstration with in-home technician at an additional cost of €350