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Mechanism Design and Evaluation of a Threaded Rod-Driven Wheelchair-to-Bed Transformation System

Authors

  • Bilal Khan

    U.S.-Pakistan Center for Advanced Studies in Energy, University of Engineering and Technology Peshawar, Peshawar 25000, Pakistan
    Author

  • Mahad Aurangzeb

    Aitchison College, Shahrah-e-Quaid-e-Azam, Lahore 54000, Pakistan
    Author

  • Mohammad Dawood Farukh

    Aitchison College, Shahrah-e-Quaid-e-Azam, Lahore 54000, Pakistan
    Author

  • Abdul Muqsit

    Aitchison College, Shahrah-e-Quaid-e-Azam, Lahore 54000, Pakistan
    Author

  • Komail Lodhi

    Brightside High School, Peshawar 25000, Pakistan
    Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.22581/muet1982.0388

Keywords:

wheelchair, bed conversion, motorized wheelchair, Assistive Technology, threaded shaft, patient comfort, mobility

Abstract

This study presents the design and simulation-based evaluation of a low-cost, multifunctional wheelchair-to-bed transformation system powered by a threaded rod mechanism. Developed to enhance autonomy, comfort, and safety for paraplegic and quadriplegic patients, the proposed system utilizes a self-locking DC motor-driven threaded shaft that enables smooth, controlled transitions between sitting and lying positions without requiring caregiver assistance. Unlike conventional systems that employ hydraulic or hydrostatic actuators often associated with complexity, maintenance challenges, and high cost—this design prioritizes mechanical simplicity, affordability, and user accessibility. The system supports voice and joystick-based control, catering to users with varying physical capabilities. SolidWorks simulations and performance analysis demonstrate that the mechanism completes full transformation in 28 seconds under a 150 kg load, ensuring stability, energy efficiency, and ease of use. Comparative evaluation with existing actuator-based systems confirms the advantages of the threaded rod mechanism in terms of reliability, power consumption, and passive safety. This research introduces a simple and affordable assistive mobility solution with strong applicability in clinical and home care environments.

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References

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Published

2025-10-28

Issue

Vol. 44 No. 4 (2025): October Issue

Section

Articles

License

Copyright (c) 2025 Mehran University Research Journal of Engineering and Technology

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.

How to Cite

Mechanism Design and Evaluation of a Threaded Rod-Driven Wheelchair-to-Bed Transformation System. (2025). Mehran University Research Journal of Engineering and Technology, 44(4), 151-162. https://doi.org/10.22581/muet1982.0388

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