Portable chair for disabled and eldery people

Desired outcome

Design of a chair for elderly or disabled people to rest while walking or shopping. The chair should be foldable, have a rigid, stable structure to support a person up to 120kg, allowing a person in a skirt to lean back. Tripod chairs with a fabric seat do not work well. The original idea was a rigid but lightweight, slatted seat that can be clipped to a bag or backpack and folding legs. The biggest challenge is to design a support (legs) that can withstand the necessary weight. Height approx. 70 cm.

Initial Problem Description

People who find it difficult to walk for extended periods often struggle to find suitable places to rest, which make them resign from engaging in various activities or visiting certain locations. This lack of accessible resting areas discourages them from participating in outings, social gatherings, and other experiences that require walking or standing for long periods.

Context

Elderly and disabled individuals often face challenges when trying to visit tourist attractions, parks, supermarkets, and other public spaces. They may need frequent breaks from walking, but the lack of seating options, such as benches, makes it difficult for them to rest as needed. This shortage of accessible rest areas can limit their ability to fully enjoy outings and accomplish daily tasks.

Connection to cross-cutting areas

The number of people with disabilities is increasing as life expectancy rises, yet many public spaces are still not adapted to their needs. Markets, parks, nature trails, and tourist attractions often lack sufficient resting spots, such as benches, making it difficult for individuals with mobility issues to fully participate in these activities. This lack of accessible amenities discourages them from engaging in various outings, leaving them with fewer opportunities for recreation and socialization.

Input

After conducting market research and working on initial design, we would like to create a portable chair that combines lightness, ease of use, and elegance while supporting up to 120 kg. To ensure reliability, the chair must undergo rigorous testing for tension and strength, confirming that it provides sturdy, stable support for elderly users.

Expectations

The portable chair will be lightweight, easy to carry, and elegantly designed, while also capable of supporting at least 120 kg. Unlike a typical chair, it will be high enough to provide sturdy support for leaning, helping users who may struggle to sit and stand with ease. This design combines practicality with style, offering both comfort and stability.

Desired Team Profile

We are looking for designers with an open mind and a passion for enhancing quality of life, as well as skilled mechanics who can precisely calculate the strength and bending forces needed for our chair. This team will combine creativity with technical expertise to develop a reliable, user-friendly product for elderly individuals.

Additional Information

The concept of this chair originated some time ago. While we initially attempted a collaboration with a university, the results unfortunately did not meet expectations. Existing portable stools on the market are not only too heavy but also lack stability, and the triangular seats are uncomfortable, particularly unsuitable for women in skirts, even causing fabric tears.

Related Keywords

• Industrial manufacturing, Material and Transport Technologies
• Traffic, mobility
• Protecting Man and Environment
• Safety
• Lightweight
• Design & smart functions
• Manufacturing
• Assembly & joining
• Light metals
• Multi-material
• Consumer related
• Leisure and Recreational Products and Services
• Consumer Products
• Other consumer products
• Other Consumer Related (not elsewhere classified)
• disabilities