Frequently Asked Questions
There is a power switch on the side of the motor housing that activates the remote control. The remote control draws some battery power so the power switch should be turned off when the Power Pivot is not in use
This will depend on the type of rotation needed and where the user is located. You will typically place the motor housing towards the caregiver. The motor housing should not be obstructing the patient’s feet from rotating.
The remote control has two buttons. One button is for rotating clockwise and the other for counter clockwise. Simply hold down the button for the direction you need. When you release the button the disk will stop.
The Power Pivot only moves when the remote control button is held down. If you drop the remote or the button is released, the disk movement stops.
The battery will power more than 50 transfers before needing to be recharged.
The battery is charged using the included micro USB and wall adapter.
The Power Pivot takes __ minutes to charge.
The Power Pivot cannot be operated while being charged.
Manual “Lazy Susan” type pivot assist devices require caregivers to rotate the disk by torque directed through the patient’s body. Manual slip disk designs must compromise between static and dynamic friction so they have earned a reputation of being difficult to start rotating and then difficult to stop. Caregivers must “lock” manual disks in place by stepping on them while assisting users onto the disk. Applying torque with unpredictable starts and stops creates risk of injury to caregivers and patients.
In contrast, the battery and motor in the Power Pivot locks the disk in place while the user stands on it. When they are ready and prepared, the Power Pivot provides all of the rotational force and movement. Both patient and caregiver can simply focus on standing upright while the Power Pivot does the work.
The Power pivot uses a rechargeable Li-Ion battery and small motor similar to what is used in battery operated power tools. This technology has been proven reliable and safe through extensive use in millions of drills and drivers worldwide.
The Power Pivot completes a 180-degree transfer in 7-10 seconds depending on the weight of the user.
The Power Pivot is designed and tested to rotate 300 pounds with normal operation and battery life. The standing disk can support additional weight, but above 300 pounds the rotation rate slows and battery life is reduced. Please contact us if you are interested in a Pivot Disk designed to consistently rotate more than 300 pounds.
The Power Pivot has an 18” base and 16” standing disk. The low profile platform is ½” thick.
The Power Pivot is designed to fit inside standard walker legs or wheels. This enables a walker to be used to assist standing and sitting and for support throughout the transfer.
The Power Pivot weighs 5 1/2 lbs.
The disk and motor housing of the Power Pivot is designed to be splash resistant but is not completely waterproof. The Power pivot can be used near water such as in a bathroom, outside of a shower, beside a pool or briefly in light rain when transferring to or from a vehicle.
The Power Pivot should never be flooded or submerged. Do not use the Power Pivot inside the shower itself or in a tub or pool. Please contact us if you are interested in a Pivot Disk designed for full submersion.
Yes. The base of the Power Pivot extends past the rotating disk to prevent carpet fibers from entangling in the gears.
Yes. Each remote control is labeled and linked to a specific Power Pivot. The remote control set for one Power Pivot will not interfere with a different unit.
Currently the power pivot is only offered in the shown color. Contact us if you are interested in different colors.
Each Power Pivot is labeled with a unique name. Contact us if you are interested in a custom name.
No. Currently the Power Pivot is only offered with a 16 inch disk on an 18 inch platform.
Questions About Us (Team 2471)
We are Team 2471, also known as Team Mean Machine, a group of high school students from Camas, Hockinson, and Washougal Washington school districts. We compete in annual FIRST Robotics Competitions where we use design, machining, programming, and business skills to build robots to compete in a special robot game that changes from year to year. Our Team Members have opportunities to learn new skills and work together as a team to take part in international level competitions. Students are encouraged to seek innovative solutions to solve real world problems, preparing them for any professional STEM or business fields. Please see our website for more about us and about FIRST.
Team 2471 has been building robots since 2008, and the team has grown from the size of four members to around 50 in addition to a dozen mentors.
For the 2021 FIRST Robotics Competition Season, teams were challenged to create an innovative design to facilitate aspects of health and fitness.
Team 2471 created the Power Pivot to help the mobility impaired and their caregivers. The team is building Power Pivots and making them available for those who can benefit from its capabilities.
During the PPE shortage at the onset of the pandemic, we designed, manufactured, and delivered over 22,000 eye and face shields with the help of sponsors, other FIRST teams, and community donations.
Team 2471 hosts and attends all sorts of public events such as OMSI’s Makerfaire, to promote STEM in our community. Recently we have been taking our t-shirt cannon robot to local football games for this purpose.
We are in close relationships with the three school districts making up the team, and have aided them with various projects over the years.
Because of our commitment to keeping the price low, any funds generated by the Power Pivot will go right back into community STEM education. Team is constantly expanding, and we are always looking to improve our facilities with new tools.
This project has required all sorts of skills from mechanical skills like design, manufacturing, and electronics. to business skills like, web design, outreach, and organization.
With this project, we’ve had to do things that we’ve never done before, so it is an amazing opportunity for all of us.
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