Flexible Chair Back Assembly With Mesh Cover and Lumbar Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing chair designs lack flexibility and comfort in adjusting to different user positions, particularly in moving between upright and reclined positions, with limited lumbar support and inadequate upholstery integration for optimal user support.
Innovation Solution
A chair assembly featuring a rigid back frame with a flexibly resilient back shell and mesh cover, combined with a four-bar linkage mechanism that allows independent movement of the seat and backrest, along with a lumbar adjustment system, to provide enhanced comfort and support through adjustable positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a rigid back frame is used to provide structural support, then strength and stability are improved, but flexibility and comfort in adjusting to different user positions deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The backrest is divided into multiple segments including a back shell member, lumbar support member, and upper back support member that can move independently relative to each other. This segmentation allows each segment to contribute to structural support while collectively providing flexibility for different user positions and lumbar support requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The backrest assembly incorporates dynamic movement capabilities through the four-bar linkage mechanism that enables synchronized reclining motion between the seat and backrest. The lumbar support member can also move independently to adapt to different user positions, transforming the static rigid structure into a dynamic system that maintains strength while providing adaptability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a four-bar linkage mechanism is used to enable synchronized movement between seat and backrest, then comfort and support in various positions are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The four-bar linkage mechanism serves multiple functions simultaneously: it enables synchronized reclining motion, maintains proper backrest angle relative to the seat, and works integrated with the lumbar support system. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate mechanisms for each function, thereby managing complexity while achieving versatile movement capabilities.
3Adaptability or versatility
If independent lumbar support movement is implemented, then user support and comfort are improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lumbar support member is integrated with the backrest assembly as a unified structure rather than a completely separate component. The lumbar support moves independently through the same four-bar linkage mechanism that controls the backrest, merging the control systems while maintaining independent lumbar adjustment capability. This integration reduces manufacturing complexity compared to having entirely separate mechanisms.
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 chair assembly offers improved flexibility and comfort by allowing synchronized movement between the seat and backrest, along with adjustable lumbar support, enhancing user experience across various positions.
Implementation Method 1
the back shell member is substantially rigid in a lateral direction and substantially flexibly resilient in a fore-to-aft direction
Data Source
AI summary
A chair back assembly includes a substantially rigid back frame assembly, a back shell member operably supported by the back frame assembly and including a laterally extending top portion, a laterally extending bottom portion and a pair of longitudinally extending side portion extending between the top portion and the bottom portion and cooperating therewith to define an open space therebetween, wherein the pair of side portions are substantially rigid in a lateral direction, and wherein the back shell member is substantially rigid in a lateral direction and substantially flexibly resilient in a fore-to-aft direction, and a cover having a first surface adapted to support a seated user and a second surface opposite the first surface, wherein the cover is positioned over the back shell member to cover at least a portion of the open space.