Ahuod3n – A redesigned low-cost foldable wooden stool

Abstract

This project delves into the experimental and statistical analysis of material selection factors such as availability, cost efficiency, and durability, tensile strength, and sagginess of materials that could be potentially used to build the seating area of a foldable wooden stool. In the course of the experimental process, paper, plastic, and leaves were used as the experimental groups for the analysis. A further test was carried out to test if weaving patterns of the materials affected tensile strength. The mechanical properties of the experimental groups were statistically analyzed to decide on the material’s usability. Conclusively, plastic straws had the highest tensile strength and least sag per unit mass, making it the most suitable material amongst the three to withstand the higher load placed on the seating area. In attempts to reduce the sagginess of the plastic straw, two weaving patterns, rustic plait, and, three-strand braid, of equal length underwent a repeated sagginess test. The rustic plait weaving pattern resulted in the least sag per 700g loaded on it. With these results the seating area of the stool was fabricated from rustic-plaited plastic straws. 

The empathic motive behind this project is to redesign simple household furniture from repurposed materials for less privileged homes in the rural areas of Sub-Saharan Africa.