Research on the Design Elements of Air Pressure Massage Cushion for Expanding the Elderly-Friendly Functions of Furniture

Abstract

The use of aging aids can be used in conjunction with existing furniture to expand the aging function of the furniture, so that the furniture better meets the needs of the elderly. Pneumatic massage is a kind of massage technology that realises the massage function by inflating and deflating the airbag. Compared with mechanical massage, it has the advantages of simple structure, soft force, safety and reliability, and it is especially suitable for the application of old age recreation products. In order to accurately match the needs of the elderly for pneumatic massage products and develop suitable pneumatic massage cushion products, this paper constructs a research framework of user needs-user behaviour-design elements based on the joint AHP-AEIOU-QFD model, which clarifies the user needs and core design elements of the ageing pneumatic massage cushion and provides an important basis for product development. Firstly, the AHP method was used to construct the user requirements model, which clarified that safety and core functions are the core primary needs of the elderly, and structural rationality and pneumatic massage function are the core secondary needs of the elderly. Further, the QFD method converts the user requirements into technical parameters and analyses them and clarifies the modular airbag and support structure design as the core design elements of the age-friendly pneumatic massage cushion products. Finally, the JACK simulation platform is used to conduct comparative experiments on the design parts of the products, and the simulation data verifies the feasibility of the optimised products. The results of this paper have an important role in guiding the design and development of ageing massage cushion products.