Flexible Chair Back Flex Zones for Pivot-Free Reclining
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing chairs with reclining backs often require complex and expensive mechanisms, including separate linkages and springs, to accommodate reclining motion, and are limited by traditional pivot points that restrict the chair's movement.
Innovation Solution
A chair system featuring a flexible back support member with a flex zone formed from a flexible material, incorporating notches that narrow as the chair reclines, providing resistance and mobility without traditional pivot points or springs, allowing for a more cost-effective and versatile reclining mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional pivot points and separate linkages are used for reclining motion, then the chair back can achieve prescribed motion, but the mechanism becomes complex and expensive to manufacture
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate components (pivot points, linkages, springs) into a single integrated flexible back support member. This member incorporates all necessary mechanical functions through its flexible material construction, eliminating the need for separate linkages and pivot points while maintaining prescribed reclining motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical systems (rigid linkages, pivot points, springs) with a flexible material-based system. The flexible back support member uses material flexibility and elastic deformation to achieve the mechanical functions previously requiring complex mechanical components, thereby simplifying the overall mechanism.
2Stability of the object's composition
If traditional pivot points are used, then the chair back follows a prescribed motion path, but the design flexibility and adaptability are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a static, rigid motion path defined by fixed pivot points to a dynamic motion path that adapts to user needs. The flexible back support member can deform elastically to accommodate different reclining angles and user preferences, allowing the motion path to be adjusted without changing the physical structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables adjustment of motion parameters (reclining angle, resistance, motion path) by changing the physical state or configuration of the flexible material rather than reconfiguring mechanical linkages. This allows for versatile design adaptations while maintaining stable and controlled motion.
3Force
If separate linkages and springs are used to provide resistance, then reclining motion can be controlled, but manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates unnecessary intermediate components (separate linkages and springs) from the system. The resistance and motion control functions are integrated directly into the flexible back support member through its material properties and structural design, reducing the number of parts that need to be manufactured and assembled.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible back support member provides its own resistance and motion control through its inherent material properties (elasticity, flexibility) without requiring additional springs or counterbalancing mechanisms. The structure itself generates the necessary forces to control reclining motion, eliminating the need for separate force-generating components.
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 flexible back support member enables smooth reclining motion with adjustable resistance, reducing manufacturing costs and complexity, while accommodating various user sizes and postures, and allowing for independent motion and design flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
The flex zone has a first portion defining a first notch that is adapted to narrow as the chair back reclines from an upright position to a reclined position
Data Source
AI summary
A reclining chair has a base coupled to a chair back. The chair back is adapted to recline from an upright position to a reclined position. To accommodate that reclining motion, the chair back includes a flex zone formed with notches extending through an inner portion of the flex zone. Those notches narrow as the chair back reclines from the upright position to the reclined position. The flex zone also includes an outer portion that is separated from the inner portion by a gap, the outer portion having one or more notches extending through the outer portion. Those notches also narrow as the chair back reclines from the upright position to the reclined position.