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THE BARI-LIFT

The Bari-Lift was the outcome of our 4-member team final year capstone project. The main objectives of this patient transfer device are to accommodate bariatric patients and reduce the physical burden on healthcare workers when it comes to translating patients. The device also offers increased portability, as well as storability.

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This project was quite challenging given our ambitions to achieve a feasible bariatric patient transfer device that could safely carry a 1000 lb patient, whilst being mobile. Many mobile mechanical patient lifts are limited to weight capacities of 600-700 lbs, with mounted ceiling lifts being able to reach the 1000 lb capacity. Unfortunately, ceiling lifts are difficult to implement into pre-existing hospital rooms and are only usable within the rooms they are installed.

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Within the team, I was responsible for the design and specification of the hydraulic cylinder system which is responsible for the main raising and lowering of the patient. Additionally, electric hydraulic pump motors had to be sized to get the desired flow and raising/lowering speeds. Throughout the design and specification of these systems, the team and I followed ISO 10535:2006 which specify the requirements for hoists for transfer of disabled persons.

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Specifications:

  • Single-Stage Double-Acting Hydraulic Cylinder:

    • 22” extension

    • Deposed height: 40 ½”

    • Extended height: 60 ½”

  • Electric Hydraulic Pump Power Unit:

    • 1 HP AC pump with 1.5 GPM

    • 2.5-Gal Reservoir

    • 4-Way valve & relief valve

    • 1.5 in/s maximum speed

  • Other Features:

    • Telescoping and widening base legs

    • Driven wheels

    • Boom with internal hoisting motors

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Overall, our team was satisfied with the final product, but we found various future considerations that we would have liked to address. From costing estimates, this design is roughly double from comparable capacity ceiling lifts or heavy-duty mechanical lifts. As well, systems like the overhead tray containing the motors, and hydraulic pump and handles could be better incorporated to produce a more aesthetic and safely enclosed design.

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