Design and functional validation of a needs-driven multifunctional integrated nursing wheelchair for elder individuals with disability

To address the complex care needs of elder individuals with disability, this study employs a Quality Function Deployment (QFD)-based approach to systematically prioritize functional requirements and guide the engineering design of a multifunctional intelligent wheelchair. The developed system integrates posture transition, omnidirectional mobility, toileting assistance, and bathing docking into a unified platform. Key innovations include a synchronized dual-actuator posture transition mechanism enabling progressive sit-to-stand support with phased center-of-gravity adjustment, a Mecanum wheel-based omnidirectional chassis for enhanced maneuverability in confined spaces, and a detachable waterproof backrest system facilitating transfer-free toileting and bathing operations. Prototype validation using CAD modeling and functional testing confirms that the integrated design significantly reduces the frequency of user transfers, minimizes secondary injury risks associated with positional changes, and improves overall caregiving efficiency and user comfort. Future work will focus on the development of multimodal interaction frameworks and adaptive decision-making systems to further enhance operational autonomy for users with communication impairments.