Chair

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing chairs that pivot between a backrest and a support surface require a slotted seat to achieve these positions, which is undesirable.

Innovation Solution

The pivot axis of the abutment element is positioned above the seat surface, with carrier elements on either side that have pivot axes for armrests, allowing the abutment element to rotate between the armrests without needing a slotted seat.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the pivot axis is arranged below the seat surface, then the abutment element can pivot between backrest and support surface positions, but the seat surface must be divided or slotted which complicates the structure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedual functionality of abutment elementVSAvoidseat structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional arrangement by positioning the pivot axis above the seat surface rather than below it. This inversion allows the abutment element to pivot between positions without requiring the seat surface to be divided or slotted, thereby maintaining seat structural integrity while achieving dual functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces carrier elements that extend vertically from the seat surface to support the pivot axis at an elevated position. This dimensional change in the support structure enables the pivot mechanism to operate above the seat surface, eliminating the need for seat division while maintaining the required motion range.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the seat is divided or slotted to accommodate the pivot mechanism, then the abutment element can achieve two pivot positions, but the manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepivot position capabilityVSAvoidseat manufacturing simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

By inverting the pivot axis location to above the seat surface and providing vertical carrier elements for support, the patent eliminates the need to divide or slot the seat during manufacturing. The seat remains as a single intact component, significantly simplifying the manufacturing process while maintaining full pivot functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Data Source

PatentEP3376903B1Chair

Publication Date: 2021.03.31 KONIG NEURATH AG

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AI summary

The invention relates to a chair comprising a seating surface (1) and an abutment element (3) which is connected to said seating surface (1), can pivot about a pivot axis (2), and is designed, in a first pivot position, to act as a backrest for a user sitting on the seating surface (1) and, in a second pivot position, to act as a support surface that can be used by a user supporting themselves on the support surface when standing. According to the invention, the pivot axis (2) of the abutment element (3) is arranged above the seating surface (1).