Fabrication of Patient Lift Wheelchair with Convertible Bed

Abstract

This project presents the fabrication of a patient-lift wheelchair with a convertible bed, integrating the functions of a wheelchair, patientlift, and hospitalbedintoa compact unit. The system enhancespatient comfort andreduces caregiver effort during transfer andrepositioning. Unlike traditional wheelchairs, which provide onlymobility, thisdesignallows smooth transformation from sitting to flatbed positions using mechanical linkages, pivot joints, and motorized or hydraulic actuators. It also features a patient- lifting mechanism for vertical adjustment without manual handling. Lightweight, durable materials, locking castor wheels, and ergonomic controls ensure safety, stability, and ease of operation.The design is cost-effective, space-saving, and suitable for hospital and home care, improving independence and comfort for paralyzed, elderly, or post-surgical patients while reducing caregiver workload.

Introduction

The project focuses on developing a patient-lift wheelchair with a convertible bed to improve patient comfort, mobility, and caregiver efficiency. Traditional wheelchairs and hospital beds operate separately, increasing effort, cost, and space requirements. The proposed design integrates both systems into a single mechanism that allows smooth transition between sitting, reclining, and lying positions using mechanical linkages, hinges, actuators, and a screw jack-based lifting system.

The system is designed using CAD tools (SolidWorks) and fabricated using lightweight yet strong materials like GI square pipes. Key components include a seat-back recliner, hinges, screw jack for vertical lifting, and caster wheels for mobility. The design ensures stability, safety, and ergonomic comfort while reducing caregiver workload.

The methodology involves reviewing existing systems, designing a 3D model, performing simulations, fabricating the prototype, and testing its performance. The fabrication process includes cutting, drilling, welding, grinding, and painting to assemble a durable frame.

Conclusion

ThePatient Lift Wheelchair with Convertible Bed wassuccessfullydesigned, fabricated,andtested tomeet theintendedobjectives of improving patient handling and comfort. The system effectively combines lifting and bed conversion mechanisms into a single unit, reducing theneed for multiple equipment in healthcare settings. The screw jack mechanism provided smooth and controlled lifting, while the reclining arrangement ensured easy transformation between wheelchair and bed positions. Experimental testing with a 70 kg load demonstrated stable performance withoutanystructural failure, validating thereliabilityof the design within the theoretical capacity of 100 kg. Overall, the project proves to be a cost-effective and practical solution for hospitals and home careapplications, enhancing both patient safetyand caregiver convenience. Although the use of GI material ensured sufficient strength, it increased the overall weight ofthesystem. Futureimprovements such astheuseoflightweightmaterialslikealuminium,motorized liftingmechanisms, and enhanced ergonomic features can further improve efficiency, portability, and user comfort. This project demonstrates strong potential for real-world implementation and further development in assistive healthcare devices.

References

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Copyright

Copyright © 2026 Akash M, Akshay K, Deepak P, Mohammed Harshad N, Assist Prof. Anoop KJ. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.