In this fourth round of prototyping we wanted to answer the following questions:

• Should our goal product be a functional or looks like prototype?
• How can we improve the handles to make them sturdier and fit in the seat while rotating?
• How can we create more room between the handles without increasing the overall width of the device?
• What improvement can be made to the locking mechanism to make it more durable?

In order to answer these questions we first took to Solidworks to deep dive and fully design our prototype. We changed the locking bracket so it would be thicker and have two mounting points on top of the seat rather than on the side. Additionally, we changed the handles so the plunger would be moved to the back to allow for more room for the user and avoid hitting the seat itself. The seat size was slightly increased and things including adding fillets to the base for support, cushions, color, and nuts/bolts were added.  This full Solidworks model can be seen in the pictures and video below.

 

The team then used this CAD model to physically build the model. Changes made in the physical model compared to the Soldiworks model included slotting out the the square holed bar. Pictures of this model can be seen below.

 

Moving forward the team would like to address:

• Continue to investigate options that would allow for more space between handles for persons with wider hips.
• Add slider block inside handle to increase handle stability when adjusting height.
• Work on design of “plunger” caps to increase gripability.
• Look into better material for cushion.
• Manufacture locking mechanism out of metal
• Look into new designs and manufacturing methods for plunger pins.
  • 3D printing or Machined pieces
  • Improve actuation by removing threaded section that passes through handle.
• Try to get back to older adult living facility for more user testing (with covid hopefully going down 🙂 )