Chair Coupling Element with Dual-Axis Pivoting Half-Shell Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing chair designs with elastic coupling elements are complex in construction and assembly, requiring intricate support plates and spherical sections, which complicates the mounting process between the chair column and seat element.

Innovation Solution

A simplified chair design featuring two axle journals aligned along perpendicular axes, pivotably mounted within opposing half-shells with hemispherical surfaces and elastic elements, allowing for a straightforward assembly of the coupling element between the chair column and seat element.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional support plates with spherical sections are used, then the chair provides stable pivoting motion, but the construction and assembly become complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepivoting stabilityVSAvoidconstruction complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The support element is divided into two separate half-shells instead of using a single complex support plate. Each half-shell contains simple journal bearings with elastic elements, eliminating the need for intricate spherical sections while maintaining pivoting stability through the complementary fit of the two half-shells around the support element.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The complex spherical section geometry is extracted and replaced by simple cylindrical journal bearings. The pivoting function is achieved through the interaction between the support element's journals and the half-shells' bearing surfaces, rather than relying on complex spherical support plates.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Ease of operation

If intricate support plates are used, then pivoting motion is achieved, but the assembly process becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepivoting functionVSAvoidassembly ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The assembly is segmented into modular components: two identical half-shells, each containing journal bearings and elastic elements. This segmentation allows for pre-assembly and testing of individual half-shells before final installation, significantly simplifying the manufacturing and assembly process compared to single-piece intricate support plates.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The journal bearing and elastic element are combined into an integrated assembly within each half-shell. This merging reduces the number of separate components that need to be assembled and ensures proper alignment and function, making the overall assembly process more straightforward.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 solution enables a structurally simpler and easier assembly of the chair, allowing for smooth pivoting along multiple axes while maintaining stability and ease of assembly, reducing complexity and enhancing usability.

Implementation Method 1

against the restoring force of at least one elastically deformable element

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3108768B1Chair with a support element pivotable around both its longitudinal and transversal axis
Publication Date: 2017.08.16 FIGUEROA BÜRO FÜR GESTALTUNG GMBH
  • EP3108768B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3108768B1 patent drawingFigure 4~6

AI summary

A chair with a chair column (9) and a seat element (1) mounted on a coupling element (2) and pivotable about its longitudinal and transverse axis, i.e. forwards and backwards as well as to the side against the restoring force of at least one elastically deformable element. , is characterized in that - the coupling element (2) has a support element (3) with an outer surface with spherical sections, - the support element (3) contains two axle journals (4) aligned along a first axis and two further axle journals (5). , which are aligned along a second axis intersecting the first axis at right angles, - the support element (3) and the axle journals (4, 5) are pivotably mounted in two opposing half-shells (6, 7), which each have hemispherical inner surfaces, and - the axle journals (5, 6) are mounted as axle bearings in the two half-shells (6, 7) with the interposition of elastic elements (8 or 8'). t are