Homemade Xiaoyao Office Chair

The homemade Xiaoyao office chair can be realized through a minimalist design, utilizing curved slide rails and spring components to achieve a front-to-back rocking function, combining comfort with fun.

I. Material and Tool Preparation

1. Base and Seat: Choose a sturdy wooden or metal plate as the base (must be load-bearing). The seat can be made from a wooden board or an old chair, ensuring a flat surface.
2. Curved Components:
   • Curved Sleeve: Needs to curve upwards, centered around the pivot, with an arc length not exceeding half of the curved slide rod (to ensure controllable rocking amplitude).
   • Curved Slide Rod: Same center as the sleeve, slightly longer than the sleeve, used to be inserted into the sleeve to form a slide rail.
3. Spring Components: Choose compression springs with moderate elasticity, two sets in total, installed on both sides of the curved sleeve.
4. Pivot and Fixings: Metal pivot (diameter selected according to load-bearing requirements), screws, nuts, and other fixing accessories.
5. Tools: Electric drill, saw, sandpaper, welding tools (if using metal materials), tape measure, pencil.

II. Production Steps

1. Base and Seat Fixing:
   • Vertically fix the pivot at the center of the base (ensure stability).
   • Reserve an installation hole at the center of the bottom of the seat for connecting the curved slide rod.
2. Curved Component Installation:
   • Sleeve Fixing: Fix the curved sleeve centered around the pivot on the base, securing both ends with screws.
   • Slide Rod Insertion: Insert the curved slide rod into the sleeve, ensuring smooth sliding, and use a stop block at the end to prevent disengagement.
3. Spring Component Assembly:
   • Drill holes symmetrically on both sides of the curved sleeve and install one end of the spring (fixed to the sleeve or base).
   • Connect the other end of the spring to the bottom of the seat, forming a bidirectional pull to balance the inertia during rocking.
4. Testing and Adjustment:
   • Gently press the seat to test the smoothness of rocking. If there is stuttering, sand the slide rod or the inner wall of the sleeve.
   • Adjust the tightness of the springs to ensure an appropriate rocking amplitude and automatic return to position.

III. Key Design Points

• Arc Length Ratio: The arc length of the sleeve should be ≤ half of the arc length of the slide rod to prevent the slide rod from completely disengaging from the sleeve during rocking.
• Spring Selection: The elastic coefficient should match the user's weight. Too soft will result in excessive rocking, while too hard will affect comfort.
• Safety: All connections should be reinforced to prevent loosening after long-term use; edges should be sanded smooth to prevent scratches.

This design achieves a rocking function through mechanical structure, without the need for complex electronic components, suitable for handmade production, and occupies a small area, making it suitable for home or office settings.