How do people really sit on their office work chairs? Given concerns about the ill-health effects of prolonged sitting this question is becoming increasing important yet little objective information exists. Manufacturers are starting to address this question by embedding pressure sensing technology into the seat and back of chair itself. However, current designs only sense a limited set of variables, and the sensing technology cannot be fitted to different chairs.
This project will focus on developing a comprehensive sensing kit that will be capable of being fitted onto most modern office chairs and that will log a wide array of variables on how the chair is actually being used. The goal of the design of the kit will be to sense and log at least the following variables on adjustable chairs:
o Height variables – values and adjustments made to seat height, chair arm height
o Pressure variables – seat pan pressure/distribution, back rest pressure/distribution, arm rest pressure/distribution
o Angles – values and adjustments made to seat pan angles, backrest angles
o Motion – direction and distance of chair movement
The project will involve selecting appropriate sensing technologies, designing attachment methods, incorporating data logging and developing analytical software.
This work can be undertaken for course credit (DEA4000) or possibly for payment. If undertaken as an MEng project credit work will be done in conjunction with Prof. Lipson under MAE 6900.
Interested students can contact Prof. Alan Hedge (ah29@cornell.edu)