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User Groups
Elderly and people suffering from arthritis
Description and Functionality
The compliant easy chair provides support while an individual sit on it as well as stands up from the sitting position. It does not use any external power or actuation. The design of the chair is such that it can be adjusted to the height, weight, and physical abilities of a person. It also reduces the stress exerted on the knees, which is problem for most elderly as well as arthritics. The sitting posture is as comfortable as in a normal chair. Once, the person decides to rise, a cue has to be given by pressing handles located near the arm-rests. Then, the energy stored in the springs is used to gently push the person and thus help in rising with assistance. The springs are designed so that the person’s weight is compensated using a novel concept of static balance with springs.
State-of-the-art
The compliant easy chair has the concepts of bimodal bi-stability and static balance with a compact open nearly cylindrical shell that twists and bends (Statically balanced compliant two-port bistable mechanism). The system is all mechanical and uses only springs and levers and the Modular design is customizable to individual’s height, weight, and physical ability
Stage of Development
Six variants of the chair prototyped and tested in clinical setting. Ready for commercialization
Specifications and Approximate Cost
Dimensions: Like any normal chair
Weight: About 25% higher than a normal wooden chair Consumables used: springs, levers, rods, pulleys, and joints. Material cost: ₹2,000/-
Technology Developer
Prof G. K. Ananthasuresh
Indian Institute of Science
C. V. Raman Avenue, Bengaluru, 560012 suresh@mecheng.iisc.ernet.in
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