Comfort-Tilt
30
How do they work?
On the end of the stem of the cylinder is a small pin. When the operator depresses the handle,
this pulls on the cable which in turn pulls on a small lever inside the actuator mechanism into
which the stem of the cylinder is mounted. This depresses the pin which opens a valve located
inside the barrel of the cylinder, allowing for changes in position. When the operator releases the
handle, the valve closes and locks the cylinder in the desired position.
The function of the actuator is to push against the pin and open the valve that controls the
cylinder. If the actuator is not properly adjusted when mounted on the cylinder, problems will
occur.
Maintenance
The gas cylinders generally do not require any maintenance. Adjustments may be needed due to
cable stretch.
When adjusting the cylinder, it is important that you do not damage the stem on the
cylinder. Small scratches left by applying the jaws of pliers or Vice Grips directly to the
shaft while making adjustments will destroy the seal and allow the gas inside the cylinder
to escape. Use a piece of cloth or rubber to protect the cylinder shaft from the tools you
are using to make the adjustments!
Troubleshooting the Cylinders
Often, when experiencing problems with cylinders on Broda wheelchairs, the cylinder is not
damaged, it usually only requires an adjustment. There are two common adjustments.
1. The pin that the cable handle pulls on at the end of the cylinder is not connected
correctly.
2. The handle or cable assembly is broken or disconnected.
Other solutions to common problems are listed below.
•
The wheelchair is not tilting when cylinder handle is pulled
.
The pin in the end of the cylinder is not being depressed when the handle is pulled. Action to
take: See adjustment steps that follow
•
The wheelchair tilt seems to slowly slide out of position
.
The pin in the end of the cylinder may be still partially depressed.
Action to take: See adjustment steps that follow.
Adjusting the Cylinders
Note: Cylinder does not need to be removed from the wheelchair to make this adjustment.
1. Loosen the lock nut located on the stem of the gas cylinder, next to the actuator, with a
17mm wrench.
2. From the above instructions, determine whether you want to wind the stem further into
the actuator or further out of the actuator. You will need to wind the stem further into the
actuator if the chair is not tilting (wind it clockwise) and wind it further out of the actuator if
the chair is slowly sliding out of position. (wind it counter clockwise)
