Adjustable Chair Lumbar Assembly for Smooth Secure Positioning
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current lumbar support devices in chair backrests lack optimal comfort, ease of manufacturing, smooth adjustability, durability, and security in adjusted positions, while also being simple to assemble and operate effectively.
Innovation Solution
A vertically adjustable lumbar assembly with a lumbar frame, transition shell, lumbar device support, and lumbar-energy wires, featuring wave ridges and alignment stops for smooth adjustment and secure positioning, integrated with a back support and cushion assembly using a "ZIP-LOCK" connection for easy assembly and disassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a lumbar device is designed to be adjustable and comfortable, then comfort and lumbar support effectiveness are improved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The lumbar device is divided into multiple segments including a lumbar frame, transition shell, lumbar device support, and adjustable lumbar support elements. This segmentation allows each component to perform a specific function while maintaining overall adjustability and comfort without excessive complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The lumbar device incorporates dynamic adjustment mechanisms that allow the lumbar support to be adjusted to different positions and angles. The device includes movable components that can be repositioned while maintaining structural integrity, providing adaptability without requiring an overly complex system
2Reliability
If a lumbar device is made robust and durable, then reliability is improved, but manufacturing complexity and assembly difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple structural components are merged into integrated assemblies such as the lumbar frame that combines support structures, adjustment mechanisms, and mounting features into a single robust unit. This merging provides durability while simplifying manufacturing and assembly processes
Solution Approach 2:
The lumbar device incorporates universal components that serve multiple functions, such as the lumbar frame that provides both structural support and adjustment capabilities, and the transition shell that protects internal components while facilitating assembly. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate parts needed, simplifying manufacturing while maintaining robustness
3Ease of operation
If a lumbar device allows smooth adjustment between positions, then ease of operation is improved, but security in selected position may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates intermediary elements such as the transition shell and lumbar device support that act as mediators between the adjustable lumbar support and the fixed lumbar frame. These intermediaries enable smooth adjustment motion while providing stability and security to the selected position through their structural design
4Ease of manufacture
If a lumbar device is designed for easy assembly and disassembly, then ease of manufacture is improved, but structural robustness may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The lumbar device is segmented into modular components including the lumbar frame, transition shell, lumbar device support, and adjustable support elements that can be easily assembled and disassembled. Each segment is designed with standardized connection interfaces that maintain structural robustness while facilitating simple assembly and disassembly operations
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 provides optimal comfort and secure positioning with smooth, fluid adjustment of lumbar support, ensuring durability and ease of assembly, while accommodating manufacturing tolerances for robust and efficient operation.
Implementation Method 1
lumbar-energy wires
Implementation Method 2
wave ridges and alignment stops for smooth adjustment and secure positioning
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
A chair (10) includes a lower back frame (14), a back construction (18), including a back support (24) attached to the lower back frame (14), a cushion assembly (26) attached to the back support (24), and a vertically adjustable lumbar assembly (28). The lumbar frame includes a transition shell (102) and a vertically sliding lumbar device (108) having a plurality of horizontal flexible wires (109). A lower edge (114) of the transition shell (102) is positioned on top of an uppermost horizontal flexible wire of the lumbar device (108). The lumbar device (108) is operably slidably mounted between the outer shell (24) and cushion assembly (26) and the transition shell upper edge slides (112) between the outer shell (24) and the upholstery cushion assembly (26). Another chair includes a Y-shaped lower back frame (14) having two uprights (32) and a cross-piece (34) attached to the back support. An overlap flange (44) and channel-shaped flange (32) mate to form an overlap joint, including a box beam (98) for added structural support.