Chair Component Assembly Using Couplers and Composite Covers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing chair assembly designs lack an efficient method for securely assembling components with flexible and rigid materials, compromising the structural integrity and user comfort.
Innovation Solution
A chair assembly method involving a support component with apertures and couplers, where a flexible thermoplastic material covers the side surfaces and a rigid overlay covers the opposing surfaces, with securing members to hold the couplers within the apertures, ensuring a secure and comfortable seating arrangement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a flexible thermoplastic material is used to cover side surfaces of the support component, then user comfort and flexibility are improved, but structural integrity and durability are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a composite structure combining flexible thermoplastic material for the cover with a rigid support component. The thermoplastic material provides flexibility and comfort for user contact, while the rigid support component maintains structural integrity. The coupling mechanism securely attaches these dissimilar materials, allowing each to perform its optimal function without compromising the other.
2Strength
If a rigid overlay is used to cover opposing surfaces of the support component, then structural integrity and durability are improved, but user comfort and flexibility are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different material properties to different locations of the support component. The rigid overlay is applied only to opposing surfaces requiring structural strength and durability, while the flexible thermoplastic material covers the side surfaces that contact the user. This localized application of material properties ensures each area has the appropriate characteristics for its specific function.
3Reliability
If multiple securing members are used to hold couplers within apertures, then assembly reliability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the support component into modular sections with discrete apertures and couplers. Each coupling location is independently designed with specific aperture-coupler pairs, allowing for standardized securing members to be used throughout. This segmentation enables reliable assembly through repeated use of the same coupling mechanism rather than requiring complex integrated fastening systems.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of assembling a chair component includes providing a support component adapted to support a portion of a seated user and including at least one aperture, providing a cover including a plurality of sides that cooperate to form an interior space, and including at least one coupler, positioning the support component within the interior space of the cover such that the at least one coupler is positioned within the at least one aperture, providing a securing member, and attaching the securing member to the support component such that the at least one coupler is held within the at least one aperture by the securing member.