Design of Backpack to Aid Elderly for the Mazu Touring Procession in Taiwan

[摘要] The Dajia Mazu Touring Procession is a 9-day long religious event held annually. However, for the elderly participants, it is a big burden especially in regards to physical strength. The goal of designing backpack is to reduce the physiological stress of elderly during the procession. Firstly, physical parameters were measured to explore the dimension parameters by testing. The height of the chair is different from that of the kneeling pad; a smooth curve was chosen to coordinate the two as the main outline of the backpack. Secondly, material selections based on following limits were considered: (1) acceptable weight and size, (2) intermediate price and (3) a design that is fitting to the Dajia event. The material and structural strength were evaluated for wood, bamboo, stainless steel. Two design concept were proposed, wood is selected for construction and testing by users. The texture of the backpack is Rush grass, it was built successfully to cover the backpack's external surface to meet local culture features.

[发布机构] Department of Industrial Design, Chaoyang University of Technology, Taichung; 436, Taiwan^1;Department of Social Work, Chaoyang University of Technology, Taichung; 436, Taiwan^2

[效力级别] 机械制造

[关键词] Design concept;Designing backpacks;External surfaces;Material selection;Physical parameters;Physical strength;Physiological stress;Structural strength