The aim of this project is to design an ergonomic kite seat tailored for beginners in kiteschools. The focus is on people with physical disabilities, such as spinal cord injuries, amputations, or spina bifida. The current high cost and lack of accessibility of specialised kite seats hinder kiteschools from offering adapted courses. By developing a single, adjustable kite seat, the project aims to reduce costs and improve ergonomics and practicality. Research included gathering anthropometric data through existing datasets, manual measurements, and 3D scans of the target group. This data highlighted the unique requirements for pressure distribution and fit. The final design reduces the need for multiple seat sizes, thus decreasing investment and storage requirements, while providing design guidelines and a prototype for testing.
The primary issue is the high cost and low accessibility of adapted kite seats for beginners with physical disabilities. Current solutions require multiple sizes, which are not economically viable for kiteschools. Additionally, these seats often do not provide optimal ergonomic support for the target group.
The project focused on gathering detailed anthropometric data through both manual measurements and 3D scanning. Nine individuals fitting the target group were measured to collect essential data on dimensions such as thigh width and location of the trochanter. This data was crucial for understanding the specific ergonomic needs of people with physical disabilities, such as those with spinal cord injuries, amputees, or spina bifida, who are interested in sit-kitesurfing.
The Body Lab at TU Delft provided access to advanced tools and knowledge, allowing for precise manual measurements and 3D scans. Additionally, collaboration with Chemelot Campus enabled the creation of 3D-printed models, making it possible to visualise and refine the design concept tangibly.
Existing anthropometric data from sources like DINED was reviewed and compared with the newly collected data. This step was essential to ensure that the design would be appropriate for the specific physical dimensions and needs of the target group. The project aimed to identify and utilise the most relevant and accurate data to inform the design process.
The project involved a detailed comparison between the newly gathered anthropometric data and existing datasets. This analysis highlighted discrepancies and provided a comprehensive understanding of the target group’s unique physical characteristics. The comparison was critical in identifying key areas for improvement and ensuring that the final design would meet the specific ergonomic requirements of sit-kitesurfing beginners.
Existing anthropometric data from sources like DINED was reviewed and compared with the newly collected data. This step was essential to ensure that the design would be appropriate for the specific physical dimensions and needs of the target group. The project aimed to identify and utilise the most relevant and accurate data to inform the design process.
The project involved a detailed comparison between the newly gathered anthropometric data and existing datasets. This analysis highlighted discrepancies and provided a comprehensive understanding of the target group’s unique physical characteristics. The comparison was critical in identifying key areas for improvement and ensuring that the final design would meet the specific ergonomic requirements of sit-kitesurfing beginners.
The project successfully developed an adjustable kite seat tailored for beginners with physical disabilities, addressing the key issues of cost, accessibility, and ergonomic fit. The anthropometric research revealed significant variations in body dimensions within the target group, leading to the creation of a design that accommodates these differences through adjustability. The final seat design features a range of 30-40cm in seat width, a fixed seat depth of 42cm, and an adjustable thigh width of 24-38cm, ensuring a tight, comfortable fit for a broad spectrum of users. The use of durable materials, such as 600D polyester textile and closed-cell foam, enhances comfort and reduces the risk of pressure injuries. The project outcomes include detailed anthropometric design guidelines and a functional 1:1 prototype, which can be further tested and iterated to refine the design. This innovative seat design is poised to significantly reduce costs and improve the overall experience for sit-kiteboarding beginners, making the sport more accessible and enjoyable for individuals with physical disabilities.
