Design of a Wireless-Controlled Powered Transport Chair with Transfer-Assist Functions and Integrated Seated Weight Measurement

This study presents the concept design of a wireless-controlled powered transport chair for caregiver-assisted handling and short-duration seated movement in care facilities. No prototype has been fabricated and no structural, metrological, or human testing has been performed; every value reported is a design requirement, not a measured result. The intended users are adult patients who tolerate supported sitting and retain enough trunk control to remain seated with the support rails and restraint engaged, together with a trained caregiver; patients needing full postural support or a lying transfer are outside the intended use. The device integrates powered low-speed mobility, height adjustment, a powered fore–aft seat extension that bridges the residual gap left at the bed base, local and wireless control, an independent hardwired emergency stop, and load-cell seated weight measurement. The frame is designed to accommodate a patient of up to 150 kg. A Raspberry Pi provides the user interface, while an independent hardware layer governs all powered motion. Candidate frame materials are compared qualitatively. Verification covers proof-load testing, worst-case static stability, load-cell calibration, control and emergency-stop response, power-loss recovery, battery endurance, and usability testing with caregivers and patients. Participatory design with wheelchair users and caregivers is planned before fabrication.