Body support structure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional body support structures, such as office chairs and vehicular seating, require complex manufacturing processes involving multiple parts and mechanical fasteners, which are difficult to modify and adapt, and often necessitate rigid components with supplemental biasing members like springs, limiting aesthetic flexibility.
Innovation Solution
A body support structure with a base, body support component, and a link that pivots on either side of a centerline, utilizing a flexible blade or torsion leaf spring to provide kinematic movement without hard pivot points, allowing for integrated biasing and simplified assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple assemblies and parts with mechanical fasteners are used, then the body support structure achieves reliable mechanical coupling, but the manufacturing and assembly process becomes complex and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple discrete mechanical components into a single molded plastic assembly. The control mechanism combines links, pivot points, and structural elements into one monolithic component manufactured via injection molding, eliminating the need for separate parts and mechanical fasteners while maintaining structural integrity and reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The molded plastic control mechanism performs multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support, enables kinematic movement through integrated pivot points, and defines geometric constraints for motion paths. This multi-functional integration replaces what would traditionally require separate components for each function
2Force
If rigid components with supplemental biasing members like springs are used, then the control mechanism provides necessary biasing force, but the aesthetic appearance is limited by hard pivot points and rigid construction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible blade element within the molded plastic assembly that can elastically deform to provide biasing force. This flexible element replaces traditional rigid springs and hard pivot points, allowing for smoother, more aesthetically pleasing designs while maintaining the necessary mechanical functionality and force generation
3Reliability
If conventional tilt control with dozens of parts is used, then the mechanical coupling is achieved, but the tooling is difficult to modify and adapt to other assemblies
Solution Approach 1:
The molded plastic control mechanism is designed as a universal component that can be adapted to different seating applications through modification of the injection molding process. The single-piece construction with integrated features allows the same basic tooling approach to serve multiple assembly types, greatly improving adaptability compared to custom assemblies of discrete parts
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 simplifies manufacturing, reduces the need for complex linkages and biasing structures, and allows for a low-profile, counterintuitive recline motion with integrated biasing, enhancing aesthetic and functional flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
The flexible blade is bendable, or elastically deformable, between at least an at-rest configuration and a biased configuration
Implementation Method 2
The torsion leaf spring is bendable and twistable between an at-rest configuration and a biased configuration
Implementation Method 3
The torsion leaf spring is bendable and twistable between an at-rest configuration and a biased configuration
Data Source
AI summary
A body support structure includes a base, a seat and a backrest, with the backrest connected to the base with a torsion leaf spring. The torsion leaf spring may be configured with a plurality of fingers, and/or one or more flex regions. One or more struts may be connected between the seat or backrest and the base. In another aspect, the seat and/or backrest may be supported with one or more links that provide a counter-intuitive motion. In another aspect, a link may be coupled to a support with a flexible blade.