Final design

As can be read in the concept choice, the horse saddle fits the needs of the participant best. The concept is further developed and made into the final product.

CONCEPT BOARD

Solidworks model

To see how the design was in 3D space a Solidworks model was made

Adjustments

For this idea is not yet defined fully, the details will be worked out further. In the concept can be seen the sliding mechanism, where the chair is moved back and forth. It is a stool which can be used in horse position.

Three things which need to be incorporated in the final design are the adjustable height which is easy to use, an option for a back support, and the flaps need to be adjusted to different angles.

Adjusting height

To adjust the height of the chair, it should be able to be locked in different positions. This could be done at the bottom of the chair, by different buttons. However, this should be easy to operate and should not cost too much force. It should not bring the user out of balance and it should be easy to find. Just like an office chair which can be adjusted by a handle, the height of this stool can be adjusted. The height can vary from sitting to standing.

Front support

When there is an obvious front support, this is limiting for the use of the stool. However, it should be easy to grab the handle and to use it. Therefore, the handle is inspired by the handle of a suitcase.

Flaps

If the height of the flaps needs to be adjusted, the chair needs to consists of multiple parts, or a very specific material should be used. Here a different mechanism can be seen, where the flaps are moved up and down by a hydraulic system.

The seat needs to be comfortable to sit on, and also needs to support the use. The user needs to be able to have a seat easily, but should stay seated and not slide off. Therefore, this form is chosen. This form is inspired by already existing products.

Moveability

On the left, a chair on wheels can be seen. On the right, the sliding mechanism can be seen. For the stool needs a very limited movement (the user only needs to sit and stand up), the wheels will lead to a more unstable option. The wheels should be combined with a locking system which should be easy to operate. The sliding mechanism allows the saddle to move back and forward. These two things could also be combined, however, there is no added value to add wheels if the sliding mechanism does its work properly.

The saddle will be moved forwards to sit on, and slided backwards when the user wants to stand up. This should be carefully designed, for there is a big amount of weight at the front of the saddle.

Storyboard

Materials and colors

The products consist of parts which have to be sturdy and functional, and parts which should be soft and comfortable. For this product to become a part of the interior, it should fit the rest of the surroundings and be a nice addition to the environment, which can be done by choosing the right materials in the right colors.

The blue parts, which are in contact with the body, should be comfortable. The saddle can be comparable to a chair, or the saddle of a bike. The flaps should be sturdy with a soft layer on top. A suggestion could be leather in a brown color. The frame can be made of metal, which could be frosted black.