SmartShift

Was es macht

SmartShift is a motorised wheelchair design that enables users to transfer independently between surfaces such as beds, chairs or car seats. It eliminates caregiver dependence and empowers users with greater confidence and autonomy.

Deine Inspiration

The idea for SmartShift was inspired by personal experiences with the difficulties of wheelchair transfers. My grandmother, who has very limited strength, relies entirely on others for every transfer. Once, I tried to help her without proper technique, creating a risky situation for both of us. I also briefly used a wheelchair after a leg injury and experienced how physically demanding and frustrating it is to transfer — especially between a car seat and wheelchair. These moments revealed just how unsafe and limiting traditional transfers can be, and drove me to create a safer, more independent solution.

So funktioniert es

SmartShift combines vertical and lateral transfer mechanisms to enable safe, independent movement between surfaces such as beds, car seats, and chairs. A compact scissor lift system raises or lowers the seat to precisely match the height of the target surface, ensuring proper alignment for a smooth and level transfer. Once aligned, the seat extends outward, and an integrated conveyor system gently moves the user laterally across the gap. This eliminates the need for manual lifting, reducing the risk of injury to both users and caregivers. For added safety and comfort, the armrest flips outward to act as a temporary backrest during the transfer, providing extra support and stability throughout the process. SmartShift is designed with simplicity in mind. All functions are controlled through an intuitive, user-friendly interface, allowing individuals with limited strength or dexterity to manage transfers easily and confidently on their own.

Designprozess

I began the design process by identifying a major challenge faced by wheelchair users: the difficulty and risk involved in transferring between a wheelchair and another surface, such as a bed or car seat. Motivated by personal experience, I explored existing mobility aids and transfer devices to understand their limitations and discover areas for improvement. My initial concept involved an armrest that flipped down to function as a conveyor platform for lateral transfers. Although promising, it introduced unnecessary mechanical complexity and posed safety concerns during early evaluations. This led me to reframe the design with a sharper focus on stability, simplicity, and user safety. The final concept features a scissor lift mechanism for precise seat height adjustment, an extending seat with an integrated conveyor system for smooth lateral movement, and a flip-out armrest that acts as a temporary backrest during transfers. I iterated through multiple design revisions independently, refining each element to balance functionality, safety, and ease of use. The result is SmartShift — a solution designed to give wheelchair users greater independence, comfort, and dignity.

Warum es anders ist

SmartShift stands out from both conventional wheelchairs and external transfer aids by offering an integrated, user-controlled system for independent lateral transfers. Traditional wheelchairs rely on caregiver assistance, while most current solutions — like transfer boards, hoists, or robotic lifts — are separate devices that require setup, space, and often another person to operate. In contrast, SmartShift builds the transfer mechanism directly into the wheelchair. A scissor lift adjusts seat height, while an extending seat and conveyor system enable smooth lateral movement between surfaces. A flip-out armrest provides temporary back support during transfer, improving safety and comfort. This all-in-one design removes the need for external tools, making transfers safer, faster, and more accessible. It empowers users with greater confidence, freedom, and independence in daily life and everyday environments.

Pläne für die Zukunft

My next step is to secure funding to develop a fully functional physical prototype of SmartShift. This will enable real-world validation of the design and help optimise key factors such as structural weight, adaptability to various environments, and user-centered functionality. Through testing and iteration, the aim is to refine the system into a final version that is practical, reliable, and intuitive to use. Ultimately, I hope to provide a transformative solution that enhances the daily lives of wheelchair users by supporting safe, independent, and effortless transfers.

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