An Apparatus Design to Assist Standing Up from Sitting

Abstract:

According to the report of WHO, the world population is rapidly ageing. Coming to the year of 2050, the proportion of the older population over 60 years will be 22%. The number of people aged 60 years and over is expected to 2 billion. Standing up movement is an important activity for human, because most activities in daily life are performed with standing position. The elderly with difficulty in standing up movement will strongly affect their daily activities. This study aims to propose an apparatus to assist standing up from sitting. A series of design methods and procedure including concept design, mechanism design, ergonomic design, and appearance design were performed in the study. Finally, an apparatus design was proposed with following features: (1) the appearance of the assistive device designed with an image of appetence; (2) a power-saving mechanism was designed which enabled users to elevate themselves easily; (3) a slow elevating mechanism was designed which enabled users to stand up slowly; (4) the of handlebar was operated at a position at elbow height which enabled users to exert maximum push force; (5) when the device elevated, the users enable to push maximum force to standing up; and (6) when the user was seated or absent for a long period, the handlebar can be located at a noninterference place. The results of design and the methods and procedure used in this study can be a reference for the product design.

• Periodical: Applied Mechanics and Materials (Volume 590)
• Pages: 571-575
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.4028/www.scientific.net/AMM.590.571
• Online since: June 2014
• Authors: Deng Chuan Cai*
• Keywords: Assistive Technology, Ergonomic Design, Product Design, Seat, Wheelchair

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