Body support assembly and methods for the use and assembly thereof
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional body support assemblies, such as office chairs, face limitations in flexibility and comfort due to rigid frames and suspension materials that fail to provide adequate micro and macro compliance, leading to unforgiving pressure points and reduced user experience.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a flexible carrier frame with elastic textile material and a cushion, featuring flex regions and a recline limiter assembly, which allows for adaptive support and recline functionality without complex mechanical mechanisms, enhancing comfort and reducing manufacturing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a rigid frame is used to maintain tension in suspension material, then the suspension material can be properly supported, but the flexibility of the body support member is limited and pressure points are created
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the rigid frame with a flexible membrane structure that can conform to body contours. The membrane is tensioned across the seat opening and can flex and adapt to different body shapes, eliminating the rigidity problem while maintaining structural integrity through material tension rather than rigid support.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state and properties of the supporting structure from rigid to flexible by using elastic membranes and tensioned materials. This parameter change allows the structure to maintain strength through material properties rather than rigid geometry, enabling both support and flexibility simultaneously.
2Adaptability or versatility
If mechanical systems like lumbar supports and tilt control mechanisms are added to provide flexibility and adjustment, then adaptability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases, maintenance requirements increase, and the system becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs materials with inherent elastic and memory properties that automatically adapt to body shape and provide self-regulating support. The material conforming characteristics and elastic recovery eliminate the need for manual adjustment mechanisms, as the system self-adjusts based on body contact and material properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical adjustment systems with smart materials that provide adaptability through their inherent physical properties. The elastic memory foam and tensioned membranes provide automatic conforming and support adjustment without requiring mechanical links, pivots, or control mechanisms.
3Strength
If foam cushions are used to provide body support, then structural support is improved, but air circulation is limited and localized support is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses porous or open-structured materials that allow air to pass through while maintaining support capabilities. The membrane structure and selected foam materials provide breathability and air circulation pathways, eliminating the suffocation effect of solid foam cushions while retaining structural support functions.
4Stability of the object's composition
If plastic shells supported by peripheral frames are used, then structural integrity is improved, but body-conforming comfort is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces rigid plastic shells with flexible membrane structures that can conform to body shapes. The membranes are tensioned to maintain structural integrity while their inherent flexibility allows them to adapt to different body contours, providing both integrity and comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite material structures combining different properties - tensioned membranes for conformability, elastic materials for support, and strategic rigid elements for structural integrity where needed. This composite approach achieves both body-conforming capability and structural stability.
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 provides improved comfort and fit by adapting to the user's body, reducing the number of parts and manufacturing costs, while maintaining flexibility and durability, and accommodating various user sizes without complex adjustments.
Implementation Method 1
An elastic textile material coupled to the carrier frame
Implementation Method 2
a cushion disposed beneath the textile material
Data Source
AI summary
A body support assembly includes a seat assembly and backrest assembly supported by a tilt control assembly. Methods of using and assembling the body support assembly are provided.