Finally, eight years of waiting comes to an end. Our patent titled, "Turn table based transfer facility for wheelchair" has been granted and is recorded in the register of patents on 07 July 2021. I would like to take this opportunity to thank my teacher, mentor, Ph.D. supervisor, and Co-Inventor, Prof. S. Pugazhenthi for this constant support, motivation, and guidance. I am indebted to SASTRA University for supporting us in every means throughout every stage of design, development, and patenting. SASTRA funded the research for the original ideation & POC development, till the patent was filed, and later the work was funded by DST-SERB to develop a prototype.
As the next step, we have signed an NDA with M/s. Ostrich Mobility Instruments for possible MVP development and commercialization.
The invention is a novel design of a self-transfer facility for wheelchair users. It is a unique system that transfers a person with lower limb disability from a wheelchair to any other surface and vice versa. The device is specifically aimed at helping wheelchair users access toilet commode without caregiver support.
The transfer process could be manual or powered, making use of actuators and control systems with or without the aid of a caregiver. The facility is designed to be attached or detached from any wheelchair (powered/manual) with minor modifications.
