THE FIRST ROWING SEAT ON WHICH USERS CAN ADJUST THE HEIGHT INCREMENTALLY WHILST SITTING ON IT.
During my time studying Design Engineering at A Level, I worked on developing a revised rowing seat, which has the ability to change in height, while the user is still sitting on it. It is a mechanically intense project, which really tested my understanding of geared mechanisms, mechanical advantage, and a huge range of design and manufacturing techniques, all while maintaining a user-centred approach. Unfortunately due to Covid-19 shutting down schools, this final product remained a concept, despite being fully planned for manufacture.
The core mechanism which makes this project functional, takes advantage of a pinion gear mounted on a lead screw, which is all driven by a worm screw. This system produces immense mechanical advantage, meaning an athlete of more than 100kg can raise and lower the seat while they are sitting on it. This was a fundamental requirement, to maintain the best user experience possible. The devised method of user interaction also contributed to this. This system is implemented four times, to maintain an even weight distribution from the top of the seat.
The final assembly is highly technical and includes a range of standard components, as well as bespoke components, which were later revised for mass manufacture. I gained experience with a range of manufacturing techniques including brazing, welding, plastic moulding and also computer aided manufacturing with lathes, mills, and 3D printers.
A key skill I developed in leaps and bounds was my solidworks assembly creation, and also rendering.