Title: Design and Development of an Automatic Wheelchair Cum Stretcher for Enhanced Mobility and

Patient Care
Abstract: The aim of this thesis is to propose the design and development of an innovative device, referred
to as an "Automatic Wheelchair Cum Stretcher," that combines the functionalities of a wheelchair and a
stretcher into a single integrated system. This novel solution seeks to address the challenges faced in
transporting patients with mobility limitations, particularly in healthcare facilities and emergency
medical services. The device incorporates automated features to facilitate seamless transitions between
wheelchair and stretcher modes, ensuring patient comfort, caregiver convenience, and enhanced
mobility.
Chapter 1: Introduction 1.1 Background and Motivation 1.2 Problem Statement 1.3 Objectives 1.4 Scope and
Limitations 1.5 Thesis Outline
Chapter 2: Literature Review 2.1 Evolution of Wheelchairs and Stretchers 2.2 Challenges in Patient
Transportation 2.3 Existing Solutions 2.4 Gap Identification
Chapter 3: Methodology 3.1 Conceptual Design 3.2 Ergonomic Considerations 3.3 Mechanical Design 3.4
Electrical and Electronics Design 3.5 Control System Design 3.6 Integration of Automated Features
Chapter 4: System Architecture and Components 4.1 Wheelchair Cum Stretcher Structure 4.2 Mobility and
Maneuverability Mechanisms 4.3 Actuation Systems 4.4 Human-Machine Interface 4.5 Safety Systems
Chapter 5: Implementation and Prototype Development 5.1 Manufacturing and Assembly 5.2 Software
Development 5.3 Testing and Evaluation
Chapter 6: Results and Analysis 6.1 Performance Evaluation 6.2 User Feedback and Usability Testing 6.3
Comparison with Existing Solutions
Chapter 7: Discussion 7.1 Advantages and Disadvantages 7.2 Potential Applications 7.3 Future
Enhancements
Chapter 8: Conclusion 8.1 Summary of Findings 8.2 Contributions 8.3 Implications 8.4 Final Remarks
References
Appendices (if necessary):
 Detailed technical drawings and diagrams
 Software code snippets
 User manuals and instructions

Chapter 1: Introduction
1.1 Background and Motivation: In this section, the background and motivation behind the development of
an Automatic Wheelchair Cum Stretcher are presented. The increasing population of individuals with
mobility limitations and the challenges faced in their transportation are highlighted. The limitations of
existing solutions and the need for an integrated device that combines the functionalities of a
wheelchair and a stretcher are discussed. The importance of improving patient care, caregiver
convenience, and mobility in healthcare facilities and emergency medical services is emphasized.
1.2 Problem Statement: The problem statement identifies the key challenges associated with patient
transportation and highlights the specific issues that the Automatic Wheelchair Cum Stretcher aims to
address. This includes difficulties in transferring patients between wheelchairs and stretchers, the need
for multiple devices for different modes of transportation, limitations in maneuverability, and potential
discomfort experienced by patients during the transition process.
1.3 Objectives: The objectives of the thesis are clearly outlined, indicating what the research aims to
achieve. These objectives may include the design and development of the Automatic Wheelchair Cum
Stretcher, the integration of automated features, improved patient comfort during transfers, enhanced
caregiver convenience, increased mobility, and the evaluation of the device's performance.
1.4 Scope and Limitations: This section defines the scope of the thesis, identifying the specific areas that will
be addressed and those that will be excluded. It may include aspects such as the target user population
(e.g., hospital settings, emergency medical services), the technical specifications and features of the
device, and any constraints or limitations in terms of resources, time, or budget.
1.5 Thesis Outline: The final section of Chapter 1 provides an overview of the structure and content of the
remaining chapters of the thesis. This outline gives readers a clear understanding of how the research is
organized and what topics will be covered in each chapter. It serves as a roadmap for the reader, helping
them navigate through the document and locate the information they are seeking.

Chapter 2: Literature Review

2.1 Evolution of Wheelchairs and Stretchers: This section provides a historical overview of the development
of wheelchairs and stretchers, tracing their evolution from simple manual devices to more advanced and
sophisticated designs. It explores the key milestones, innovations, and technological advancements that
have shaped the field of patient transportation, highlighting the progression towards improved mobility,
comfort, and safety.
2.2 Challenges in Patient Transportation: In this section, the challenges associated with patient
transportation are thoroughly examined. This includes identifying the difficulties faced by patients with
limited mobility, the risks involved in transferring patients between different devices, the strain
experienced by caregivers during transfers, and the limitations of existing wheelchair and stretcher
solutions. The impact of these challenges on patient care, efficiency, and overall healthcare delivery is
discussed.
2.3 Existing Solutions: This section presents an overview and evaluation of the existing wheelchair and
stretcher solutions available in the market. Different types of wheelchairs, stretchers, and hybrid devices
are described, including their features, functionalities, and limitations. The strengths and weaknesses of
each solution are analyzed, focusing on aspects such as maneuverability, ease of use, patient comfort,
safety features, and adaptability to different environments.
2.4 Gap Identification: Based on the analysis of existing solutions, this section identifies the gaps and
limitations in the current wheelchair and stretcher technologies. It highlights the areas where
improvement is needed, such as the integration of automated features, seamless transition
mechanisms, ergonomic design considerations, and the enhancement of patient comfort and caregiver
convenience. By identifying these gaps, the rationale for developing the Automatic Wheelchair Cum
Stretcher is reinforced, laying the foundation for the subsequent chapters.