Innovative Friction and Gravity-Based Chair Design
Project Goal:
Design a chair out of 0.75'' x 48'' x 96'' wood that used no fasteners.
Initial Design Ideas:
I wanted to make an attractive chair that was also practical. I wanted double cupholders for double the drinks. I also wanted a footrest that could be hidden away under the chair itself.
There were many other aspects of the design I had to consider as well. These include: the angle of the backrest, the height of the seat, the size of the pegs, the height of the footrest, the design of the cupholders (with no fasteners), and much more.
The biggest challenge I had was designing cupholders that didn't use fasteners and were practical and strong. I went through a few iterations before I arrived at the final product.
Below are some of my rough design concept sketches as well as my design plan and customer requirements:
Figure 1: My Basic Concept Ideas
Figure 2: Concept Ideas for Foot Stool
Figure 3: Design Plan
Figure 4: Customer requirements
I created this customer requirement chart to use as a decision matrix for my design. I had a few different ideas so I wanted to see what idea was best for the customer while also being manufacturable and possible. I mentioned above how one of my requirements was to be able to manufacture this chair completely out of a 0.75'' x 48'' x 96'' piece of wood. This required careful planning and considerations. Below is my chair if it were sent to get laser cut.
Figure 5: Manufacturing Plan
Conclusion:
This friction and gravity-based chair project marked a significant milestone in my journey as a mechanical engineer. As one of my inaugural design ventures, it provided invaluable lessons that have shaped my approach to future projects. Through this endeavor, I gained a deeper understanding of concept development, realizing the importance of exploring multiple design alternatives to achieve optimal solutions.
Moreover, the project underscored the crucial interplay between design and manufacturing considerations. I learned firsthand the necessity of designing with manufacturability in mind, ensuring that the final product is not only functional but also feasible to produce efficiently.
Reflecting on the experience, there are clear avenues for refinement in future iterations. Incorporating a more compact design, perhaps integrating a foldable or extendable footstool, would enhance both the chair's versatility and user convenience. Additionally, improving the aesthetics of the cupholders to achieve a sleeker, less bulky appearance would contribute to the overall visual appeal of the chair.
In essence, while this project represents a pivotal starting point in my design journey, it also serves as a springboard for continuous growth and refinement. With each challenge encountered and lesson learned, I am further equipped to tackle future projects with creativity, ingenuity, and a relentless commitment to excellence.
