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.