Patient Wheelchair to Toilet Transfer Board Design

By Melanie Butch & Lyndsey Hylbert

                            Sponsored by:                                                                                  With funding by:

HealthSouth Nittany Valley Rehabilitation Center,                                Department of Bioengineering

Bioengineering at Penn State                                                                     Click to enlarge         Summary                         

Patients in a wheelchair must leave their seat several times a day to use either a toilet, car, stair-lift, or bed-side. To make these transitions easier, a device called a transfer board is often used. However, the current board used for a toilet transfer can be unstable and cumbersome to use. These conditions often lead to unsafe conditions and falls, presenting a strong case for redesign. In response to this need, this project introduces a new device that addresses both stability and ease of use issues through new anchorage and adjustability methods. 

Aims

	More level board-seat interface; minimizing pinch areas.
	Stable attachment to toilet via bracket and latching board complex.
	Variable tilt and swivel angles for ease of use.
	Use from both sides of toilet.
	Made from a material that’s easy to clean, slide upon, and not conducive to skin tears.

 

              Previous  Design

          http://www.sammonspreston.com                                      

Problems include:

	Sliding - no attachment mechanism
	Unsteady transfer - unsafe for patients
	Difficulty in use

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Possible solutions --  Considered Designs

Load Bearing Issues

	A supportive leg from joint to floor – might limit user mobility
	A moveable joint with rigid attachment to toilet bowl – may  create unsafe torques on basin

Manufacturing & Material Issues

	Attempted laser-cutting for easy bracket creation– did not meet strength criteria
	An aluminum bracket– was easy to form but compromised strength

Design Solution

	Completely rigid yet adjustable system
	Engineered for a variable angle and detachment

 

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SolidWorks® Model of Design

Click picture for a close up

                       

Evaluation

	Secure fit to toilet: support up to 300lb, within 1 cm from toilet seat.
	Nearly level height interface between board and seat: within ½ in
	Negotiation of different wheelchair / toilet heights, ± 4”
	± 20° swivel for different wheelchair-toilet approaches.

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A special thanks to:

Gene Gerber                                       for help in manufacturing

Dr. Nadine B. Smith                          for guidance and advice

Engineering Services                       for donation of materials

 

Budget for project                                                Budget.htm

Instructions for use                                              Board Instruction Manual.doc

Parts drawings                                                      DIMENSIONS.doc