Hankering for that roller coaster ride feeling? Live vicariously thru the 4NE1 (get it?) seating solution. These chairs are suspended from the roof of a vehicle. This reconfiguration increases the amount of interior space. The design was created with the elderly and physically impaired in mind but as its name suggests, anyone can use it. The design has excellent properties for impact absorption in both front and rear impacts. The safety system is further augmented by an anti-whiplash backrest that comes forward upon impact. Best part it the stowaway feature – neatly sliding up and down roof rails or folding up when you need to seat more cargo than people.
A review of current products that cater to this demographic has revealed that although there are systems in place to accommodate wheelchairs within vehicles, many of these systems do not use space efficiently, are not cost effective, lack configurability and are often created with the removal and replacement of original seating.
This system is completely innovative and takes a whole new look at how we perceive space within a vehicle. Concerns have been raised about structural strength within the roof , but with structural reinforcement at little added cost – there is no reason why a roof cannot support the 24G crash impact requirements.
Even the build materials are innovative. The seats will be made from a patent-pending lightweight fibre-composite developed by Futuris Automotive, which has superb structural properties.
What does this all mean for you? You may never see something like this in ordinary cars but don’t be surprised when they start popping up in mass transit systems. We like the idea but what about fat people? This doesn’t exactly make travel any easier for them.
Designer: Christopher Simmons
