Abstract
A temporary stool is developed usable for the elderly persons for the purpose of supporting activity of daily living (ADL) of them in entrances and bathrooms. The stool is possible in rotation and height adjustment, and compactly stored, while it is taken out when they need it. It is designed in the new structure that completely differed from the conventional type. The durability test is emphasized in order to ensure the safety of the users. The change of mechanical response of the stool was examined under the test, and acoustic emission was monitored simultaneously. Based on the data obtained from these examination degradation of the mechanical property and generation of damage/crack are discussed. It is shown that it is useful to estimate the durability of the care devices by the aid of the experimental approach that can sensitively detect damage and generation/progression of cracks.
