The Conceptualisation and Development of a Space-Saving Multipurpose Table for Enhanced Ergonomic Performance
Hou Yip Cheng,
Poh Kiat Ng,
Robert Jeyakumar Nathan,
Adi Saptari,
Yu Jin Ng,
Jian Ai Yeow,
Kim Yun Ng
Affiliations
Hou Yip Cheng
Faculty of Engineering and Technology, Multimedia University, Jalan Ayer Keroh Lama, Bukit Beruang, Melaka 75450, Malaysia
Poh Kiat Ng
Faculty of Engineering and Technology, Multimedia University, Jalan Ayer Keroh Lama, Bukit Beruang, Melaka 75450, Malaysia
Robert Jeyakumar Nathan
Faculty of Business, Multimedia University, Jalan Ayer Keroh Lama, Bukit Beruang, Melaka 75450, Malaysia
Adi Saptari
Department of Industrial Engineering, President University, Jababeka Education Park, Jl. Ki Hajar Dewantara, RT.2/RW.4, Mekarmukti, North Cikarang, Bekasi, West Java 17530, Indonesia
Yu Jin Ng
Department of Social Science and Humanities, Putrajaya Campus, College of Energy Economics and Social Sciences, Universiti Tenaga Nasional (UNITEN), Jalan IKRAM-UNITEN, Kajang 43000, Malaysia
Jian Ai Yeow
Faculty of Business, Multimedia University, Jalan Ayer Keroh Lama, Bukit Beruang, Melaka 75450, Malaysia
Kim Yun Ng
King Kong Furniture, No. 22–36, Jalan RH 1, Taman Rambai Harmoni, Melaka 75250, Malaysia
Foldable furniture is a trend of the modern furniture industry. However, apart from limitations attributed to multifunctionality and space saving characteristics, a complete design process documentation of foldable furniture is uncommon in furniture research. This study aims to develop a space-saving multipurpose table for improved ergonomic performance. Features and functions are extracted from research articles and patents for concept generation. The final concept is modelled using Autodesk Inventor Professional 2019. Mechanical simulations are done to confirm the structural integrity of the invention before prototyping and testing. The tests accounted for usage efficiency, space and usability. Using Minitab 19, the experimental data are analysed with t-tests. The survey data are analysed using Spearman’s correlation test via IBM SPSS Statistics version 21. Participants were able to complete tasks around 1.1–1.5 times faster with the proposed invention than with single-function furniture items. The amount of space occupied with the proposed invention was approximately 25–80% lesser than with the single-function furniture items placed together. The survey analysis demonstrated that there was a strong, positive and significant correlation between space saving effectiveness and ergonomic performance. Further developments to transition this invention to its commercialisation phase should be done to facilitate daily living domestic activities of society at large.
