Hey folks! I'm a student diving into a project where I need to design a foldable chair that lifts itself up automatically. My concept is pretty unique since it will be mounted to the floor instead of the wall. Users should be able to manually pull the chair down when they want to use it, and then it should automatically return to an upright position once they get up. I'm wondering what kind of hardware or mechanisms I could use for this — maybe spring-loaded hinges or gas struts? I need something that can support weight while also folding smoothly. Has anyone tackled a similar project or have tips on what parts I should consider? Thanks a bunch!
4 Answers
For your project, I think looking into torsion springs could be your best bet. Check suppliers like McMaster for options. You might also consider reverse-engineering an old movie theater seat; just be careful with the springs and how you take it apart. Make sure you calculate the weight for proper spring sizing to avoid it popping up too fast — safety first!
Most folding chairs aren’t actually wall-mounted; they’re affixed to a floor framework. Think of it like theater seating, where the back is mounted and the seat extends from it. You might want to prototype your idea using basic timber and extension springs for practice. Once you nail down the design, you can enhance the damping effects as needed.
Just a thought — if someone stands up and then tries to sit back down, they might end up flat on the floor! You might want to ensure the mechanism can handle that scenario without any mishaps.
One good place to start is to do some searches online for 'kinematic motion mechanisms' — you might even want to add 'patent' to your search. There are tons of ideas out there with helpful diagrams. Since you want it to be safe for people, think about using a 4-bar linkage with gas pistons or maybe some child-safe hinges. If you're struggling with specific terminology, feel free to ask here for help! Just beware of getting lost in rabbit holes; I once ended up learning about recoil mechanisms for warships!
Thanks for the tips! I’ll definitely check that out!
I’ve seen people pull some weird stunts in theaters, but I hope that wouldn’t be the case here!