Project Overview
Our "Sustainable Lightweight Chair Design" project embarked on a journey to harness the potential of cardboard, a material typically overlooked for its structural properties. At North Central College, under the mentorship of Materials Science PhD. Shan-Ju Chiang, my teammates and I set out to create a chair that was not only lightweight and sustainable but could also support a significant load. The challenge was to support 175 lbs for at least ten minutes without the aid of any adhesives or fasteners.
Prototyping and Refinement
Our development process involved a series of explorative and iterative prototypes. We initially contemplated the use of triangular structures, inspired by the honeycomb pattern for its known strength in engineering. This phase, while rich in learning, was quick to show us the limitations of our initial designs.
Through trial, error, and constructive feedback, we progressed to more robust iterations. The process was far from linear; we faced disagreements over design approaches and learned the hard way about the importance of precise measurements. Despite these challenges, we found our footing in a cross-pattern design that proved to be the key to our success.
Results
The final design was a testament to the strength of vertically oriented cardboard. This insight was pivotal in our ability to refine and realize a design that stood strong under testing conditions. We showcased the chair's load-bearing capabilities, demonstrating not only our design's feasibility but also the practical application of sustainable materials in everyday objects.
I appreciate the invaluable guidance and support received from Professor Shan-Ju Chiang and the engineering department at North Central College. Their insights and provision of materials were crucial to the project's success.
This project, while an academic endeavor, was also a personal journey in sustainable design and teamwork. It illustrated that innovation isn't just about high-tech solutions; sometimes, it's about looking at the resources we already have in a new light and reimagining their potential. Our cardboard chair is not just a piece of furniture but a symbol of what can be achieved with creativity, determination, and a commitment to sustainability.
