Stair lift systems and methods for assembling, installing, and using such systems

A stair lift system for a staircase, the stair lift system comprising:

• a modular rail system including,
• at least one modular rail assembly having a first end and an opposing second end, the modular rail assembly comprising:
• a first rail component having a central aperture defined therethrough along a length of the first rail component,
• a second rail component having a central aperture defined therethrough along a length of the second rail component and coupled to the first rail component such that the central apertures of each of the first and second rail components are aligned, and
• a cable tensioning assembly having a tension cable disposed through the central apertures of each of the coupled first and second rail components, and affixed at opposing ends of the cable tensioning assembly to each of the first end and opposing second end of the modular rail assembly, the cable tensioning assembly configured to transfer tension forces applied to the tension cable into compressive force acting on opposing ends of the coupled first and second rail components, sufficient to maintain the coupling of the first and second rail components and provide structural support to the modular rail assembly;
• a drive system engaged with the modular rail system, and configured to drive along an outer surface of the modular rail assembly;
• a chair coupled to the drive system and configured to be propelled along modular the rail system by, and with, the drive system.