XSP
Start Date: 2017
End Date: 2020
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Background:
Stairlifts are often underestimated in terms of their sophistication and complexity. Ultimately they are responsible for lifting up to 120Kg up a 70 degree incline having been retrofitted to a unique staircase often with corners and obstructions to avoid. All while meeting the highest safety standards!
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This project was a massive redesign from the ground up to bring Stannah's premium product range into the modern era. This meant extra requirements including a powered fold and swivel option, proximity detection, easy customisation and class leading versatility.
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Project Scope:
Chair, Carriage, Rail
A typical stairlift can be split into 2 parts, the drive system and the chair. The details of the drive system are not discussed on this page since they are unique and protected.
Requirements for the chair included the following
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Single action fold
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Class leading folded dimension
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80 degree swivel capability
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Powered fold compatible
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Powered swivel compatible
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Non "toilet seat style" seat fold
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Class leading minimum seat height
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Modern aesthetic
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120Kg user compatible
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Easy change upholstery
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Final folded mechanism required the arms to each pivot inboard on their own axis in order for them to end up insinde the swivel envelope. This allows the chair to rotate while in its folded position
This design for a seat base and backrest that only had 2d curvature were eventually dropped in favour of a more complex curved design that meant a small cost increase but better dimensional performance
This overlay shows how much smaller the new design is compared with the current design.
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Original concept art for the chair design with attention on the 2d backrest and seat base.
A key design feature was the simple aestetic with a single ribon of material stretching around the chair to form the armrests
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3 of the original concept proposals