Chair Coupling Device for Secure Fabric Element Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing chairs and sunbeds lack effective means to securely attach fabric elements like towels, leading to movement and detachment issues, especially in windy conditions.
Innovation Solution
A kit comprising a chair or sunbed with a coupling device that removably attaches to the headrest, using a 'C' or 'U' shaped coupling portion and an elastically deformable hooking portion to securely hold fabric elements like towels, preventing displacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a towel is placed on a chair or sunbed without a securing device, then the chair or sunbed can be used freely, but the towel moves or becomes detached, especially in windy conditions or when the user moves
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device is divided into separate components: a coupling portion that attaches to the headrest element and a hooking portion that secures the fabric element. This segmentation allows the attachment mechanism to be added without redesigning the entire chair structure, thus improving towel attachment stability while minimizing increases in overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling device acts as an intermediary component between the chair headrest and the fabric element (towel). It provides a dedicated attachment interface that connects these two elements, solving the problem of towel detachment without requiring modifications to the chair's primary structure or the towel itself.
2Reliability
If a coupling device is added to secure the fabric element to the chair, then the fabric element remains stable, but the ease of operation is reduced due to the additional attachment step
Solution Approach 1:
The hooking portion incorporates an elastically deformable element that can dynamically adjust during attachment. The elastic element allows the hook to flex open for easy placement onto the fabric element and then automatically snaps closed to secure it, providing both stability and ease of operation without requiring complex fastening mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastically deformable element in the hooking portion provides self-securing functionality. Once the hook is placed on the fabric element, the elastic force automatically engages the locking mechanism without requiring additional user actions, making the attachment process simple while ensuring reliable stabilization of the fabric element.
3Strength
If the coupling device is made with strong elastic elements to ensure secure holding, then the fabric element is firmly attached, but the device complexity and potential for user difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device utilizes elastic force as a controllable parameter to achieve secure holding. By selecting appropriate elastic material properties and dimensions, the device generates sufficient holding force to firmly attach the fabric element while maintaining a simple structural design. The elastic parameter allows the device to adapt to different fabric thicknesses and tensions without requiring complex adjustment 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 coupling device effectively secures fabric elements to the chair or sunbed, preventing movement and detachment, even in windy conditions, ensuring stability and ease of use.
Implementation Method 1
The hooking portion (24) comprises an elastically deformable element (25) configured to secure a portion of the fabric element (103). Preferably, the elastically deformable element (25) is configured to exert a compressive force on the fabric element (103), or at least on a portion thereof.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a kit (100) comprising a chair (10), or sunbed, and at least one coupling device (20), wherein said chair (10), or sunbed, includes a seating element (11) and a headrest element (12), wherein said headrest element (12) is configured, in use, to support a portion of a user's back or head, said coupling device (20) being coupled, or couplable, to at least said headrest element (12) of said chair (10), or sunbed, and being configured to removably attach a portion of a fabric element, such as a beach towel or towel, to said chair (10), or sunbed.