Design of a domestic stair climber lift

Abstract

The project was motivated by the increasing need for household devices that assist in transporting heavy items across staircases. The primary objectives included designing a stair climber lift, creating a virtual model and conducting computational tests to ensure structural integrity and operational efficiency. A comprehensive literature review was performed to assess various stair mobility systems, including crawler, conveyor belt, wheeled, legged, hybrid and actuator systems. The review highlighted the advantages and limitations of each system, informing the choice of a suitable design for the stair climber lift. The design methodology involved problem analysis, market research and the application of design tools such as Function Means Analysis (FMA), Product Design Specifications (PDS) and Morphological Charts. Whereas these tools facilitated the conceptualization and refinement of the stair climber lift to meet specific functional requirements and user needs. Additionally, the detailed design phase included material selection using Granta Edupack, focusing on balancing strength, durability and weight. Finite Element Analysis (FEA) was conducted to verify structural integrity and identify areas for improvement. Stress analysis pinpointed critical areas, leading to recommendations for wheel support reinforcement. Furthermore, simulations were performed using Autodesk Inventor to visualize and validate the operational capabilities of the lift. The simulations confirmed the practical applicability of the design, ensuring that the lift could operate safely and efficiently in residential settings. Finally, the project is concluded with the confirmation of the lift’s capability to improve the safety and efficiency of transporting goods. Future improvements were suggested, including detailed cost analysis, prototype construction, integration of electronic components and physical testing in real environments to validate the design and ensure reliable performance.