Introduction
The brief was to design a folding lab/workshop stool suitable for use in the university's workshops. The material specified was plywood.
Concept Modelling
Product was very quickly modelled in Solidworks as this allowed an assembley to be made which helped with mechanical understanding of the stool.
Having done basic modelling the form was experimented with. Additional voids were created to reduce weightand increase portability.
This was the final form decided upon to develop further.
Concept Development
The concept was developed for manufacture. A coat/bag hook was also added to the back of the product to increase practicality. The gaps shown between panels were intentionally left as tolerance for the CNC router's cutting bit.
The product open for use. The user sits atop the stool and rests their feet on the step. A bag can be placed behind the feet on the deck or hung from the hook to the rear of the product.
The stool mid-fold. This demonstrates how the stool folds and which direction the panels collapse.
Folded flat the stool can be hung from a hook by the handle flush to the wall.
A render demonstrating how flat the stool folds
GA Drawing
Part of the submission was the creation of a set of engineering and GA drawings. Above is the GA drawing shown to summarise this technical drawing collection.
Product Explaination and Visualisation
Final Prototype Photos
A prototype of the final stool design was made. This prototype is a 1:1 scale and proves the concept works. It has been used frequently and has been tested by nemerous adults.
The stool open
folding motion
Stacked flat against a wall for storage. Carry handle clearly demonstrated here.
Hook in use
