Patient Transfer & Mobility Aid

Project Goal:

Design a multifunctional patient mobility aid that extends beyond a traditional walker to support safe bed-to-sit and sit-to-stand transfers, while maintaining mobility, stability, and user independence during daily activities such as bathroom use.

Context & Motivation:

While this device resembles a conventional walker, its primary purpose is assisted patient transfer, not only walking. The design is motivated by common challenges observed during post-surgical recovery, where bed-to-sit and sit-to-stand transitions can increase fall risk and physical strain when relying on momentum or improper assistance. This project explores a safer, more independent solution to support patient stability during these transitions.

Role & Responsibilities:

Led full concept development and mechanical design of the mobility aid
Created CAD models and assemblies in SolidWorks
Adapted and refined structural components from prior walker designs
Integrated stability, transfer, and modularity features into a unified system

Skills

Mechanical design for assistive and medical devices
CAD modeling and assembly design (SolidWorks)
Ideation from sketch to CAD
Design iteration based on user needs and real-world constraints
Stability-focused product development

Specifications

Device Type: Patient transfer and mobility aid
Primary Function: Bed-to-sit and sit-to-stand assistance
Secondary Function: Walker-based ambulation and short-range transport
Frame Architecture: Walker-derived structural frame
Assist Mechanism: Rotating handle (concept actuation)
Mobility: Wheel-based with integrated safety locks
Seating: Lightweight, foldable seat for rest and transport
Configurability: Modular layout for different recovery stages

Project Overview

The patient mobility aid is designed as a hybrid system combining the functions of a walker, transfer assist device, and short-range transport aid. The system supports multiple patient actions—standing, sitting, repositioning, and assisted movement—within a single compact structure.

The design emphasizes:

Stability during weight transfer
Controlled positioning relative to beds and toilets
Ease of use for patients during early recovery
A non-clinical, approachable form factor

Functional Design Elements:

Rotating assist handle to support bed-to-stand and toilet transfers
Wheel-based mobility with integrated safety locks to prevent unintended motion
Lightweight, foldable seat for patient transport and rest without excessive bulk
Dual handle configuration for balance and ergonomic support
Bed-frame attachment hook to improve stability during transfers
Expandable positioning to allow the device to move closer or farther from the patient as needed

Annotated device drawing identifying major components and functional features.

Design Lineage & Iteration

This project builds on earlier walker design studies completed before, with the focus on ambulation support, structural layout, and basic efficiency required. Core CAD elements—including the frame architecture, wheel layout, and handle interfaces—were reused as a baseline and refined to support a broader range of patient interactions.

In contrast to a standard walker, this iteration prioritizes patient transfer mechanics and stability during bed-to-sit and sit-to-stand transitions. The design evolution emphasizes improved force support, modular positioning, and adaptability across different recovery stages, while preserving a clean, non-clinical appearance carried over from the original walker concepts.

Key Features:

Aluminum alloy frame (lightweight, corrosion-resistant)
Titanium alloy (alternate material)
Lockable wheels for mobility and stability
Foldable seat with back support
Lightweight accessory holders
Single-side anchoring hook (dual-side future option)
Rigid frame; mid-frame folding as future work

Annotated device drawing identifying major features.

Limitations & Future Work:

This project represents a conceptual and CAD-based design study. Future work could include:

Physical prototyping and stability testing
Load analysis and safety factor validation
Refinement of the rotating handle actuation mechanism
User testing with patients and caregivers

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