Air Chair

Here, an industrial blower reduces the air pressure above a clear piston, and the
pressure of the ambient air becomes enough to lift a seated visitor upward several feet. The
emphasis is on making active parts apparent to the visitor and helping them understand
what is happening. The cylinder is approx. 46" in diameter, and the "piston" is
clear Lexan allowing full view of the exhibit's function from below the exhibit. The blower itself and its hose are mounted to the side of the exhibit in a fun
way so that visitors can make a connection between it and what is happening inside the
cylinder.
The chair assembly sits inside a gated enclosure; the chair only operates
when the gate is closed properly. The chair itself is dune-buggy style and made for
one person only. A seatbelt on the chair must be latched for it to
operate. The visitor also need to hold both control buttons down to operate the chair.
The top of the piston assembly is linked to the "Lift" area sign,
causing the sign to rise up and lower with the action of the chair.

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

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• planning
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• exhibition
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• children's
• museum
• c.w.
• shaw
• charlie
• air
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• physics