Office Chair Backrest Structure for Flexible Lumbar Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing office chairs lack sufficient flexibility and adaptability to accommodate varying user positions, leading to potential back discomfort during prolonged sitting.
Innovation Solution
A backrest support structure with interconnected braces and a flexible backrest shell element, featuring elastic materials and adjustable through-holes and slot-like openings, allows for relative movement and optimal support, enhancing user positioning flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the backrest is made rigid to provide stable support, then support reliability is improved, but flexibility and adaptability to user movements deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The backrest is divided into multiple segments including a backrest shell element and a support structure with braces that can move relative to each other. This segmentation allows the backrest to maintain overall stability while enabling local flexibility through the movable connection between the shell element and support structure, resolving the contradiction between rigid support and adaptive flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure incorporates dynamic elements such as movable braces connected via backrest legs that allow relative movement between components. This dynamic design enables the backrest to adapt to user movements while maintaining support reliability, as the structure can adjust its configuration in response to applied forces.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the backrest structure is made complex with multiple movable parts to increase flexibility, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The backrest shell element and support structure are merged into an integrated assembly where the shell element is connected to the braces through a unified connection system. This merging reduces the number of separate components and simplifies the overall structure while maintaining the flexibility benefits of movable connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The backrest shell element is designed as a flexible component that can deform and adapt to user movements. This flexible shell approach provides adaptability without requiring complex mechanical mechanisms, as the flexibility is inherent in the shell element's design rather than in multiple movable joints.
3Adaptability or versatility
If point connection is used between backrest shell element and support structure to increase flexibility, then adaptability is improved, but structural stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connection between the backrest shell element and support structure is designed with local quality variations, where specific connection points allow movement while other areas maintain stability. The braces are designed to be more stable in certain areas to prevent buckling, while permitting controlled movement in other regions, thus achieving both flexibility and structural stability simultaneously.
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 design provides increased flexibility and comfort by allowing the backrest to adapt to user movements, reducing back discomfort and promoting varied seated positions while maintaining optimal support.
Implementation Method 1
each of the braces has a backrest leg which is elastic at least in some areas
Implementation Method 2
The backrest comprises a backrest shell element connected to the support structure... the backrest leg is c-shaped. This results in a resilient design of the backrest leg
Data Source
AI summary
A backrest for an office chair. The backrest has a support structure on which a backrest shell element can be fastened. The support structure is formed with two braces that which are interconnected at upper and lower end regions and that are spaced from each other between the upper and lower end regions. At least sections of the braces are movable relative to one another.