Multi-Position Backrest Linkage for Lounge-to-Task Seating

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional lounge area furniture lacks adequate back support for task-oriented activities, leading to discomfort and reduced productivity when individuals attempt to perform work that requires a more structured posture.

Innovation Solution

A seating system with a backrest that can be configured in multiple positions, allowing it to transition from a relaxed reclined posture to a more upright and supportive position, accommodating both lounge and task-oriented activities.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the backrest is configured in a relaxed reclined position for lounge activities, then comfort for social interaction is improved, but back support adequacy for task-oriented activities deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomfort for lounge activitiesVSAvoidback support adequacy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The backrest is designed to be dynamically reconfigurable between a relaxed reclined position for lounge activities and an upright supportive position for task-oriented activities. The linkage mechanism enables smooth transition between these states, allowing the furniture to adapt to different usage scenarios and maintaining both comfort and support adequacy as needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Loss of time

If persons remain in lounge seating for task activities, then loss of time is reduced, but comfort and productivity deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetime to relocate for workVSAvoidwork comfort and productivity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The dynamic backrest configuration allows persons to remain in lounge seating while transitioning to an upright position for task activities. This eliminates the need to physically relocate to office areas, reducing time loss while maintaining the comfort and productivity benefits of adequate back support during work tasks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS9259089B2Seating system with multi-position backrest
Publication Date: 2016.02.16 STEELCASE INC
  • US9259089B2 patent drawing
  • US9259089B2 patent drawing
  • US9259089B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An article of furniture and seating system are disclosed. The article of furniture comprises a base providing a seating area and a support coupled to the base. A linkage couples the support to the base so that the support can be presented in a generally upright position and in a generally forward position relative to the base. The seating system comprises a base comprising a seat and a backrest comprising a first surface and a second surface. A member couples the backrest for movement on a path of travel relative to the base. The backrest is moveable to an upright position and to a forward position. When the backrest is in the first position the first surface is presented in a generally downward orientation. When the backrest is in the second position the first surface is presented in a generally forward orientation.