Ergonomic Rocking Chair Prototype
For this project, I wanted to create a 2D design for an ergonomic rocking chair. I thought this would be unique and interesting, as rocking chairs normally feel quite stiff and straight-cut--not for comfortable lounging.
For getting the ergonomic shape I needed out of 2D material, I found this picture of an "Average Male Seated in a Lounge Chair" that specified dimensions for an ergonomic lounge chair. I sketched my desired chair out of this shape, making a rough approximation as to where the body would settle in the cushions (which I did not have). I added some internal cuts for aesthetic and cutting weight, and also made some simple slats to hold the chair together. I then cut everything out of OSB on a ShopBot CNC mill after first making a full SolidWorks model.
For getting the ergonomic shape I needed out of 2D material, I found this picture of an "Average Male Seated in a Lounge Chair" that specified dimensions for an ergonomic lounge chair. I sketched my desired chair out of this shape, making a rough approximation as to where the body would settle in the cushions (which I did not have). I added some internal cuts for aesthetic and cutting weight, and also made some simple slats to hold the chair together. I then cut everything out of OSB on a ShopBot CNC mill after first making a full SolidWorks model.
After some wood glue, it held together quite well. Although this prototype is made out of cheap (free) OSB, it is still quite comfortable. I hope to re-make it another time with better wood as this will fall apart quite easily. I would also use tied parachute chord instead of slats for the seat and back rest, perhaps making it more comfortable.
This was one of my weekly projects I decided to take on for an MIT course I took called "How to Make (Almost) Anything". The vague assignment was to make "something big".
This was one of my weekly projects I decided to take on for an MIT course I took called "How to Make (Almost) Anything". The vague assignment was to make "something big".