Adjustable Sofa Armrest and Backrest Frames for Posture Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional armchairs and sofas lack the ability to accommodate non-orthodox body positions comfortably, as their fixed back and armrest designs do not adapt well to varying user positions, and existing adjustable features are limited to conventional seating configurations.
Innovation Solution
An element with a variable shape for defining backs, sides, or armrests, comprising a soft material cushion with a fixed frame and independently hinged movable frames, allowing for multiple configurations through pivot axes with locking and unlocking mechanisms, enabling the element to conform to different body positions without revealing internal rigid structures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If fixed frame designs are used for backs and armrests, then structural stability is maintained, but adaptability to different body positions is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The backrest is divided into multiple independent frame segments (first frame, second frame, third frame) that can move relative to each other via pivot axes, allowing each segment to be positioned independently to match different body contours while maintaining overall structural integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The frame structure transitions from a fixed design to a dynamic one with movable segments connected by pivot axes, enabling the backrest to adapt its shape to various body positions while maintaining stability through locking mechanisms
2Adaptability or versatility
If movable frames with pivot axes are introduced, then configurability is improved, but structural stability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The frame structure allows changes in geometric parameters (angles, positions) of individual segments while maintaining overall structural stability through the rigid connection of segments and the stabilizing effect of the cushion upholstery
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple movable frames are used to achieve various configurations, then versatility is enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The backrest is segmented into multiple independently movable frames (first, second, third frames) hinged at different pivot axes, enabling a wide range of configurations to match various body positions while keeping each segment relatively simple in design
4Strength
If rigid internal frames are used for structural support, then strength is maintained, but comfort is reduced due to visibility and rigidity
Solution Approach 1:
The rigid frame structure is covered by a soft cushion with flabby upholstery that conceals the internal frames, providing both the structural strength needed for support and the softness required for comfort, making the rigid elements imperceptible to the user
Data Source
AI summary
The element with variable shape (1) is composed of a cushion (10), having inside a fixed frame (20), which involves a lower section (13) of said cushion (10) and two symmetrical movable frames (25A), (25B), hinged above said fixed frame (20) and aimed at involving an upper section (14) of the cushion (10). The movable frames (25 A), (25B) can rotate by 180° independently from each other, to direct a respective portion (14A), (14B) of said upper section (14) from an external horizontal configuration (HE) to an inner horizontal configuration (HI), passing through a vertical neutral configuration (N), in which the portion (14A), (14B) is substantially aligned with said lower section (13). The back (100) and sides (110) of a sofa (D) or armchair (P) are defined by respective elements (1), which can be configured in many ways so as to offer the maximum sitting comfort.