cct384_independentstudy_JenniferChiu

=**Smart-Pull Hanger Closet** =

Smart-Pull Hanger is a new closet hanger design for every household. Three different types of mechanisms – coiled-spring, lock, and electric – for the design have evolved to compromise the core idea: An extendable axle is attached on the top (above the triangle shape) of the coat-hanger. A long string is knotted at the bottom of the hanger with a handle attached on the other end of the string. Then, the hanger can be pulled down flexibly and adjusted to a level which is most comfortable for the user. After hanging the coat onto a hanger, slightly pull the handle again, the hanger goes up and returns to the original position.



** Population **
This product is designed to enhance inclusive use of closet for people with mobility disabilities. People with “mobility impairment” rely on different kinds of assistive devices such as wheelchairs, canes and other tools to enhance mobility (Open Door Group). They face difficulties like “impaired eye-hand coordination” or unsustainable hand strengths due to “weakness or paralysis” (Open Door Group). People in wheelchairs who belong in a particular demographic are highlighted in this product. In core, our target demographics are people in wheelchairs or in some types of mobility disabilities and who lack assistance or seek for independency in home activities. They are within the age group of 16 to 70 who seek for independence in daily activities but face permanent, intermittent or temporary “musculoskeletal disabilities” that result in partial paralysis, arthritis, muscular dystrophy (University of Southern Queensland, 2009). At the same time, they have higher strength, especially arms and hands, in their upper half of the body but weaker than normal people, regardless of ageing or injured physical disabilities.

Design and Mechanism Prototypes
Based on the primary and secondary research conducted, more solid design approaches are gathered around our idea. Three different types of mechanisms – coiled-spring, lock, and electric – are proposed. They are based on three major design principles: (1) Low physical effort, (2) Size and space approach and use, and (3) Equitable use. Each mechanism is analyzed in below:

__ Coiled-spring hanger __
It is based on the mechanism of retractable tape. It works by pulling down the lever to unlock the coiled spring. The hanger sinks due to gravity. After hanging/taking a coat on/off the hanger, release the lever, the spring is strong enough that it pulls the weight up. The hanger returns to the original position.  Pros: It is very simple to develop and use. It requires little physical effort to make the hanger roll up and down with the same posture on the wheelchairs. Here, although the sliding belt of the sliding doors hinders the wheelchair to get through, the rope and lever knob of the hanger help bridge the distance in between. Cons: The coiled spring is the main part that handles all the weight. However, the spring depreciates in time that it may lose strength to hold and pull the weight on the hanger up to the original position even the lever is released. The maximum weight toleration is the lowest among the there options.

__Lock hanger (Final Option) __
In view of the mechanism of blinds curtain, it works by slightly pulling the knob to release the rope when the gear slides down. An axle with a gear-lock is attached on the top (above the triangle shape) of the coat-hanger. A long string with one end attached to the hanger that bends over the axle and flows through between the gear and the curved silver piece with a tiny knob attached to the other end of the string. Then, the hanger can be pulled down flexibly and adjusted to a level which is most comfortable for the user. After hanging the coat onto a hanger, slightly pull the handle again, the spring forces the gear to go up again and tighten the rope. The hanger returns to the original position.  Pros: Since the load of weight focuses on the big axle instead of the spring, which is a ting spring attached to the gear (inside the locking mechanism), this design can tolerate more weight. It is easy to operate. Also, it requires minimum effort as the hanger holds still when the user releases the lever. Cons: There may be a risk that the gear may get loosed in time that the hanger may stay at the bottom as the rope is detached between the gear and the curved metal piece. However, since it is not the spring that takes on the weight but the axle instead, the spring and the gear are more sustainable and will depreciate in longer period.

__ Electric hanger __
With the use of battery, the up and down switch generates electricity and transmits to the motor. The motor forces the roller to turn. As it turns, the rope spins up or down the hanger depending on the button the user is pressing on the switch. Pros: Since it is electricity-generated, this mechanism is the most tolerable to load. Therefore, it can take up very heavy winter jackets or jeans. It requires the least physical effort. Besides, the switch with two universal up and down sign buttons is very legible.  Cons: The biggest drawback of this mechanism is the consumption of electricity. Imagine at least thirty of this hanger is required. At least thirty batteries will be required to begin with. It is not economical or environmentally friendly. It violates the concept of sustainable design. Overall, all three mechanisms have the same exterior design. It is just the system inside that differentiates in between. After a one-week screening process, a low-fidelity 3D prototype of the locker system is launched at this point. The next step will be implementing a high-fidelity prototype of this same mechanism. Plastic will be the major material for both the prototype and final product to reduce the weight and costs. Finally, the high-fidelity prototype test will be executed by a focus group of at least 10 people within our set personas. Close observation of their behaviour in consuming our prototype will be stressed. Adjustments will be made according to the comments and observation results.

This design is intended to meet the universal need and aims to maximize inclusiveness. On top of that, originality is preserved through a design that is most cost effective and performance efficient. One of the goals of this product is to enhance independence of people with mobility disabilities. Throughout the progress of this independent study, I’ve learnt that many ways exist to innovate and implement new things. To succeed and achieve the market share, designs that consider the largest number of people with the most sustainable features will survive and prolong. Especially in today’s world, where we are running out of all sorts of natural goodness, a universal design that orients the sustainability of the world and human being is important to help sustain the wellness and richness of soul. <span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">