Mechanical Rocking Chair in SolidWorks

Form takes a bit of a backseat to function today as we explore a practical application of linkage design. This linkage-operated (and motor-driven) rocking chair allows people with physical disabilities to experience the healing and comforting motion of a traditional “Boston” rocker. Move the shortest link to see the chair rock.

I used an assembly layout sketch to simulate the six-bar linkage (which I created using a compass and straightedge on paper) before modeling the device in a traditional assembly. This provided a quick confirmation that the linkage operated to my liking.