Body Support Lattice Structure for Flexible Ergonomic Seating
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional body support structures, such as chairs, often feature rigid frames and hard contact points, which limit flexibility and comfort by restricting the ability of the structure to conform to the user's body and movements.
Innovation Solution
The body support structure incorporates a lattice structure design, including a structural lattice for stiffness, a compressive lattice for flexibility, and a skin lattice for resistance to shear deformation and expandability, all connected through angled connectors to provide a compliant and ergonomic support system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a rigid frame is used to provide structural support, then strength and stability are improved, but flexibility and comfort are worsened due to hard contact points and restricted movement
Solution Approach 1:
The rigid frame is segmented into multiple lattice units connected by joints, allowing the structure to divide into smaller flexible segments while maintaining overall strength. Each lattice unit can independently deform, enabling the frame to adapt to body movements without compromising structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic lattice structure with movable joints. These joints allow the frame to change configuration in response to applied loads, providing adaptability and comfort while maintaining strength through the lattice geometry.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate assemblies are used to provide comprehensive support functions, then functional versatility is improved, but device complexity and assembly difficulty are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple support functions are merged into a single integrated lattice structure. The lattice framework simultaneously provides structural support, flexibility, and adaptability through its geometric design, eliminating the need for separate assemblies for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The lattice structure serves multiple functions universally: it provides structural support through its geometry, enables flexibility through joint movement, and offers adaptability through load-responsive deformation. This multi-functional design reduces the overall system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A body support structure includes a structural lattice structure having a first stiffness, and a compressive lattice structure supported by the structural lattice structure and having a second stiffness less than the first stiffness. A skin lattice structure is supported by the compressive lattice structure, wherein the skin lattice structure is resistant to shear deformation in response to a normal force and is expandable in a direction transverse to the normal force.