Support component, armrest with such a support component and chair with such an armrest
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional chair support components, such as armrests and backrests, rely on foam padding that poses ecological and production challenges due to disposal issues and changing comfort properties over time.
Innovation Solution
A support component comprising a rigid base element, a resilient support structure, and a flexible cover, where the cover is mounted directly on the support structure, eliminating the need for foam and allowing for efficient, durable, and environmentally friendly production, with the base element and support structure made from different plastics materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If foam padding is used in support components, then comfort is provided, but disposal problems and ecological issues arise
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and removes the foam padding from the support component structure, replacing it with a resilient support structure made of plastic material. This eliminates the ecological disposal problems associated with foam while maintaining the necessary comfort and support functions through the alternative resilient structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the material parameter from foam to plastic, and changes the structural parameter by introducing a resilient support structure with specific geometric features. This parameter change maintains comfort properties while eliminating ecological harm from foam disposal.
2Ease of operation
If foam padding is used in support components, then comfort is provided, but comfort properties change over service life
Solution Approach 1:
By removing the foam padding that degrades over time, the invention eliminates the source of comfort inconsistency. The resilient support structure made of plastic material provides stable, consistent support properties throughout the service life of the chair.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of trying to maintain foam properties over time, the invention inverts the approach by using a fundamentally different material (plastic) with inherently stable properties that do not degrade like foam, thereby ensuring consistent comfort.
3Ease of operation
If foam padding is used in support components, then comfort is provided, but production and disposal become more complex and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the problematic foam padding element from the support component, simplifying both production and disposal. The resilient support structure made of plastic can be manufactured more efficiently and disposed of or recycled more easily than foam-padded components.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses composite construction combining a rigid base element with a resilient support structure made of plastic material, eliminating the need for separate foam padding. This composite approach simplifies manufacturing while maintaining comfort functions.
4Ease of manufacture
If a rigid base element with resilient support structure is used, then ease of manufacture and recyclability are improved, but comfort must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the structural parameters by designing a resilient support structure with specific geometric features that provide the necessary comfort properties. The plastic material and structural design are optimized to deliver comfort equivalent to or better than foam padding, while maintaining manufacturing efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
By combining a rigid base element with a resilient support structure made of plastic, the invention creates a composite structure that leverages the advantages of both materials - the rigidity and manufacturability of plastic injection molding combined with the comfort-providing resilient properties of the plastic structure.
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
This design provides a durable and comfortable support solution that is easy to separate and recycle, offering improved comfort and reduced environmental impact by using a combination of materials that are robust and adaptable to user needs.
Implementation Method 1
The support structure is arranged so as to deform elastically into the space when loaded from the cover. In this way, resilient absorption of the gravity of the body part involved can be achieved
Data Source
AI summary
A support component for a chair is disclosed that includes a rigid base element, a support structure and a flexible cover. The support structure is mounted on the base element such that there is a space between the base element and the support structure when the support structure is without load. The cover is mounted directly on the support structure so that the cover rests on the support structure.