Orbiseat

What it does

The product we have designed responds to the need to help the elderly not only to enter the vehicle but also to adopt a suitable posture inside it. By analysing the difficulties the elderly have, we present a system that will make this task easier and simpler.

Your inspiration

Our idea to develop a product to address this issue arose from witnessing a real, everyday need that often tends to go unnoticed: the difficulties faced by older people when getting in and out of private vehicles. On a daily basis we can see how even the simplest journeys and tasks become a great challenge for those with mobility problems, poor leg strength or balance problems, not only taking away their independence, but also affecting their self-esteem and participation in social activities since they feel a burden. Our idea is born from a combination of empathy, observation and analysis of opportunities for improvement.

How it works

The system consists of several independent parts that work together: -A few bars that provide stability to the module, hooking to the rails of the front seat and the isofix of the rear seat, so that we have developed a fixed but removable seat, able to solve our problem without the need to change the whole seat. -An ergonomically shaped seat that adapts to the body and is made from mycelium foam, a new and biodegradable material. -A sliding base that allows the seat to partially slide out, allowing the user to sit down from outside the vehicle and then enter the vehicle. -A rotating base that allows the user to adopt a comfortable seating position and then correct it to the correct position. -A folding footrest, so as not to leave the feet behind and to move the whole body as a whole, but which inside the vehicle is completely foldable so as not to disturb during the journey.

Design process

First of all, we looked at what solutions had already been found to the problem. We looked at what worked and what could be improved. Initially, as we didn't want the solution to involve changing cars, we thought of ‘accessories’ that we could add to the car. We thought about a step, a handlebar to lean on, different mechanisms to solve the problem of turning... We also realised that it was important to avoid the possibility of hitting the leg with the lower part of the car when getting into the car, so we also thought about solutions for this. We ended up developing our idea with four purposes: 1) easy to assemble and disassemble and 2) universal, adaptable to the size of each car, 3) it could rotate and move outwards a little and 4) it should not be too bulky) First, the structure, which is attached to the car with the ISOFIX and the front seat rails, with two perpendicular bars to join the next part by means of some hooks: the platform that allows the movement outwards, and which is attached to a rotating part by means of an axle. On top of this is the seat itself, with its platform to put the feet on. The bars of the structure are adjustable to adapt it to different cars. This final idea allows for rotational movement and easier entry and exit to the exterior.

How it is different

Orbiseat serves to solve a problem that, despite being part of everyday life, goes unnoticed and is not usually given importance. The main difference of our product is its appearance, since, unlike other assistive systems, ours does not look too orthopaedic; in this way, it gives the user independence and not the feeling of being a hindrance. Another thing that sets us apart is that our product is independent of the vehicle, i.e. no modifications to the vehicle are necessary to adapt it, so it can continue to be used as normal. It is detachable, portable and parts of it are foldable, allowing great flexibility to the user.

Future plans

Our goal with Orbiseat is to ensure independence for people who suffer from this problem every day and to enable them to have an easier life with regard to vehicle entry. We are aware that there are many more problems to be solved, especially related to old age, but we hope that Orbiseat is not only a solution to one of these, but also the beginning of many other solutions and projects to take care of our elderly people.

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