Rad Bett Sessel–An Integrated Wheelchair Bed for Incorporating Ergonomics into Mobility and Rest

Abstract

<div class="section abstract"><div class="htmlview paragraph">The “Integrated Wheelchair Bed” is an innovative assistive technology designed to address the unique needs of individuals with mobility challenges. This duality concept is born out of a deep understanding of the daily challenges faced by those who require mobility aids for transportation and also need to rest periodically throughout the day, allowing for seamless transitions between mobility and rest. This dichotomy promotes both physical well-being and emotional independence, enhancing the overall quality of life for users. The need for a new wheelchair bed hybrid arises from evolving user requirements, such as improved comfort, compactness, customization, safety, technology integration, cost-efficiency, durability, versatility, aesthetics, healthcare integration, and sustainability. To overcome these problems, we have proposed a wheelchair that can be transformed into a bed using a two-bar linkage with a slot lock mechanism. The two-bar linkage facilitates the easy conversion system without much effort and any assistance. The slot lock mechanism is used to adjust and arrest the backrest which ensures the user’s safety during positional transitions. In addition to this, Castor wheels with braking systems are used to keep the wheelchair from moving on uneven terrain. Rigorous feasibility testing and user feedback gathered at medical camps underscore our commitment to user-centric innovation, ultimately aimed at enhancing the independence and overall quality of life for individuals with mobility challenges.</div></div>