Backrest Shell Structure for Hidden Spine Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional backrests often fail to provide targeted support for the spine, leading to fatigue and discomfort, and external supports can detract from aesthetics, while contoured cushions may not offer sufficient support and visually appealing designs.
Innovation Solution
A backrest shell with pronounced upper and lower portions along the central spine region, hidden by a cushion without corresponding protuberances, providing integral support without altering the cushion's outer contour, allowing for aesthetic flexibility without compromising support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If external lumbar and sacral supports are added to provide targeted spine support, then ergonomic support is improved, but aesthetics are worsened due to visible external devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the lumbar and sacral support functions into the backrest shell itself, creating integrated support surfaces that are invisible when covered by the cushion. The shell includes a lumbar support portion and a sacral support portion that work together to provide comprehensive spine support without requiring external visible devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structures are nested within the backrest shell and cushion assembly. The lumbar and sacral support portions are embedded in the shell, which is then covered by the cushion, creating a nested configuration where the support function is hidden within the aesthetic outer layer.
2Reliability
If contoured cushions are used to provide targeted support, then ergonomic support is improved, but aesthetics are worsened and support sufficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The backrest shell is segmented into distinct functional zones including a lumbar support portion and a sacral support portion, each with specific curvature and positioning to target different regions of the spine. This segmentation allows for precise ergonomic support while maintaining a smooth, uniform cushion surface for aesthetics.
3Reliability
If the cushion contour is modified to provide spine relief, then ergonomic support is improved, but visual aesthetics are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The backrest shell acts as an intermediary structure between the cushion and the user's back. It provides the pronounced lumbar and sacral support portions that deliver ergonomic relief, while the cushion maintains its smooth, unbroken contour as the visible interface with the user.
4Reliability
If pronounced support structures are added to the backrest shell, then ergonomic support is improved, but device complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The lumbar and sacral support functions are merged into a single integrated backrest shell structure, reducing the need for separate components. The shell is formed as one piece with varying curvatures and thicknesses to provide different levels of support in different regions, simplifying the overall device architecture.
Data Source
AI summary
A backrest includes a shell having a first, forwardly facing support surface being more pronounced along upper and lower portions of a central, spine region relative to a middle portion of the central spine region and relative to side regions adjacent the central, spine region. A cushion is disposed over the first support surface. In one aspect, the cushion has a second, forwardly facing support surface being free of any corresponding pronounced portions overlying the pronounced upper and lower portions of the central, spine region of the underlying shell. In another aspect, a chair includes a backrest as disclosed. Methods of use and assembly also are provided.