Table Chair

This is a group project for our manufacturing class. We decided to make a scale model of a set of chairs that can seamlessly be put together like a puzzle to form a coffee table. We wanted to make a unique piece of furniture that assists in a niche everyday problem or offers and interesting design. It is a simple design that does not require any moving parts to transform.

1. Autodesk inventor
2. 3d printer

We first started by sketching our ideas on paper, coming up with different ways for the chairs to convert and lock in. As well we sketched possible ideas for how the chairs would look as a table. Once we got our designs on paper we decided which one we thought was the best out of all of them.

Once we finalized our idea on paper we moved the design to Autodesk to get an idea of how it would look as a 3d model and to work out any flaws. We added a shelf to the design for added storage when formed as a coffee table.

On the first print the pattern was the wrong way and was to thin and frail. On the second print we fixed the problems with the first model but the dimensions were still slightly off, so the chairs could not lock in correctly.

After three previous protypes we fixed the problems with dimensions and simplified the pattern so that the chairs could lock in smoothly. The final model was made with fewer parts on the pattern of the back piece so there would be space to make them larger, and more sturdy. We tested it by placing a measuring tape over the middle of the model. With this simplified pattern the back of the chairs are able slide into place easily, creating a flat and smooth tabletop for the coffee table.