Perkins ADC: Cardboard Carpentry Seat
Overview of Device
This assistive device created is a seat made out of three-layer corrugated cardboard and hot glue. This makes the seat a lot stronger than you would expect for cardboard because the whole seat is built against the grain allowing it to hold up very well. And because it's made from cardboard it's very cheap to make, especially for a custom-built seat. These seats are child-size and custom designed to fit the needs of the client, for anyone that needs the extra support to sit it for whatever reason. This was one of two AT devices made during our visit to the Perkins assistive design center the other being the switch build also in the AT innovation projects.
Picture: Almost Final Build of Chair
Design Process and Reflection
Overall this design process was fairly straight forward but still a little complex. About a third of the Design process was done within a hour ish of time while we were at the design center using their table saw and other equipment to build the device following instructions and help from the design staff. The device was then fully fished by a member of the class that works at Perkins the following day. Overall this is a really nifty and cool process that a custom kids chair can be made entirely out of cardboard in just a few hours!
Pictured Left: Some Parts for the Build
Pictured Center: Build Instructions
Pictured Right: Clamps Holding Build Together as it is Drying