Project Description

The goal of the final project is to use CATIA-V5 finite element analysis tools discussed in class and apply them to a final design. For the final project, students are required to design a chair capable of holding a person of 300 lbs. The designer should focus on multiple design considerations: ergonomics, durability, comfortability, safety, and cost. The chair should cost no more than $100. A 3D-model of the chair is required for the project. Detailed and assembly drawings of the chair are required as well. Finally, the designer will provide a detailed finite element analysis report derived from CATIA-V5.

Main Design Features

Having an extensive background in woodworking, construction, furniture design, I was excided to work on this project. My experience and previous research has taught me a lot about ergonomically sound, durable, and standards in design. One of the pieces of furniture I previously built was a chair for my desk. I used the exact designs to build the chair for this project. When determining the cost of materials in woodworking and furniture design, the price is calculated by Board Footage(BF). The material chosen for this project was oak. The chair requires 73.9BF of oak wood. At my local lumber yard oak is priced at $1.31/BF. The resultant price of the chair is $96.81, which meets the $100 cost requirement. Including the support pieces provides stability in the legs from being shaky and provides structural support for the seat to prevent failure. From the FEA, it can be seen that the maximum stress of 121.2 psi occurs in the back leg. The yield stress of the oak is 7,440 psi; therefore, the chair would not buckle under a 300 pound weight. The ergonomic seat height of 18 inches and large seat area provides comfortability and will feel like sitting in any normal chair. Additionally, the back of the chair is angled at 10 degrees back provides the user with additional comfort.