The multi-purpose chair frame solution
This project was set amongst a team at the Howest Industrial Design Centre in Kortrijk, Belgium. Live clients were assigned to each group. The client selected for the team was a family with a child who possesses ADHD and MND.
The aim of the project was to fabricate a new product that would assist the client with every day needs. The needs of the client were interaction between pets and other family members, access to the dining table for eating and the ability to transport and compact the product for travel.
Research
The client required the following apparatus to assist with their needs throughout the home. Each chair was specifically designed to cater a need; relaxing & social interaction, mobility, washing & dining. Two of the existing solutions were removable from their support frames - this inspired the development of a multi-function mobile frame that could adapt the chairs currently in use.
The team initially reviewed the existing chair frame solutions throughout the home. Multiple chairs were required in support the clients requirements:
Relaxing | Socialising | Travel | Washing | Dining
The concerns found with the existing solutions took up a lot of space in the home, very heavy to lift when manual handing was required such as placing in the boot of a car, limited manoeuvrability for the client within the chair systems, ergonomic support and the costs of purchasing and maintaining each system.
With this data collected, this allowed the team to produce a suitable brief & list of specification requirements for the project:
Brief
' To produce a new chair frame support system that is compatible and adaptable to all environments and requirements of the client.'
Specification of requirements
• Portable and light weight.
• Manoeuvrable.
• Significantly cost effective, allowing the family to purchase only 'add-ons' such as chairs and straps.
• User friendly and simple; nothing too harsh or potentially harming.
• Extendable and compatible.
• Ergonomically supportive.
Conceptual development
The following concepts were produced within the team to help generate potential solutions for further prototyping. The concept had to be mobile, light weight and multi-functional.
Initial Prototyping
Models were produced of the clients chair with frames. This enabled the team to test each solution until destruction. The Balance was one area that needed to be focused on when designing each frame, as well as how it would be compacted and transported.
Model 1 - Extendable leg frame design that could be adjusted in height.
Model 2 - Chair frame that was curved for aesthetic design and could be positioned upright and in a relaxing state
Model 3 - Functional prototype that allowed wooden beams to be adjusted in height. Aluminium rods used to fix legs in height position
Model 4 - Designed tested to prove minimal use of legs will not work
Detailed Prototyping
The team were able to source the following 'A' frame design that could be compacted / extended with the press of the red buttons found at the top. The wheels could be detached and reattached. The existing bar featured two red levers that allowed the bar to slide upwards & downwards. Two new Chrome finished steel bars were sourced to begin adjustment and product improvement.
Assembly of second support bar
Once restoring the 'A' frame a second bar was added to the design. The team began to source plastic pipe sections that suited the design of the frame well. MDF sections were fitted both ends to hold the bar within the plastic pipes.
To alternate the height, holes were drilled into the vertical legs of the 'A' frame and each end of the plastic pipe sections. Screws & bolts were used as thread stoppers to lock the bar into place. Removal of the threaded stoppers allowed for the bar to continue to move upwards or downwards.
User testing
The prototype was taken in its development phase to the client to test. All of the clients chairs worked with the 'A' frame, supporting the weight of the client & allowing for ease in height adjustment. The ability to manoeuvre the frame with the use of the wheels was well received.
Final Concept
The final prototype is a fully mobile 'A' frame design that can be maneuvered, compacted & adjusted to suit different chair heights. The following features and benefits are outlined.
• The 'A' frame can be compacted with the press of a button. Designed to be lightweight and easy to store when travelling within vehicles.
• The 'A' frame can be compacted with the press of a button. Designed to be lightweight and easy to store when travelling within vehicles.
• The newly assembled bar was recommend for use for the back, as the use of screws & bolts provided a stronger support. The front bar was recommended for use for the front, as this was found to be more easy to adjust height wise with the use of the levers.
One solution for many needs
This solution adapts the needs of the client with its ability to adjust in height. 3 in 1 solution that performs multiple needs whilst providing comfort and mobility.
Relaxing | Social Interaction | Dining
Contact email:
danmarshall31@gmail.com
