A seat module
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing seating mechanisms in furniture, such as recliners and office chairs, lack a simple and efficient method for continuously adjusting the backrest angle without requiring armrests and often result in an unclean appearance when not in use, especially when multiple modules are assembled.
Innovation Solution
A seat module design featuring a coupling element with rear and front grooves, a locking rod, and a sliding unit with a spring mechanism that allows for easy assembly, continuous backrest adjustment, and automatic straightening, enabling seamless integration into various furniture pieces like chairs and sofas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a control mechanism is added to continuously adjust the backrest angle, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the control mechanism from the visible area by hiding it under the seat, separating the adjustment function from the main seating structure. This allows continuous backrest angle adjustment while maintaining a clean appearance and reducing visible complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanism allows the user to adjust the backrest angle simply by pushing the body back and forth, utilizing the user's own movement to operate the adjustment function without requiring separate controls or mechanisms.
2Ease of operation
If the backrest is pivotally attached to the armrests, then the ease of operation is improved, but the adaptability worsens for chairs without armrests
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the dependency on armrests for backrest attachment by establishing a virtual turning point under the seat. This extraction allows the backrest adjustment mechanism to function independently of armrest presence, enabling use in dining chairs and other armrest-less furniture.
3Productivity
If multiple seat modules are assembled in a row, then the productivity is improved, but the object-generated harmful factors worsen due to unclean appearance when not in use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the control mechanism from the visible area and relocates it under the seat, eliminating the visual clutter that would otherwise mar the appearance of assembled furniture rows when not in use.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of placing the control mechanism where it is easily accessible from the front, the patent inverts the approach by hiding it underneath the seat, reversing the conventional placement to achieve both accessibility and aesthetic goals.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution simplifies the assembly and adjustment of the seat module, ensures optimal balance and cleanliness by automatically rearranging the backrest, providing a stable and aesthetically pleasing seating experience across different configurations.
Implementation Method 1
a spring is provided between a transverse element in the coupling element and said slide rod
Implementation Method 2
The spring has two functions as it ensures optimal balance in the sliding function and straightens the backrest when the user leaves the seat module
Data Source
AI summary
There is described a seat module for use in furniture for sitting, the seat module comprising a backrest (1) and a seat (2) and a coupling element (3), the backrest (1) being adapted to run along rear grooves (7) arranged in respective sides of the coupling element at its rear edge, a rear portion of the seat (2) is connected to the backrest (1) and a front portion of the seat (2) is adapted to run along front grooves (9) arranged in respective sides of the coupling element in its leading edge. The seat module further comprises a tilting mechanism (15-19) connecting the coupling element with a support member or base (4).