Chair Oscillation Mechanism with Adjustable Flexibility Configurations

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing oscillation mechanisms for chairs and armchairs are complex and lack the ability to adjust oscillation range and intensity according to user preferences, compromising comfort and simplicity.

Innovation Solution

An oscillation mechanism with a deformable functional body that integrates adjustable flexibility configurations, allowing users to customize the rigidity and oscillation amplitude through an adjustment device with movable engagement members and auxiliary portions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional oscillation mechanisms are used, then the chair provides basic oscillation function, but the mechanism complexity increases and adjustment capability is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadjustment capabilityVSAvoidmechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The oscillation mechanism is divided into distinct functional segments: a functional body with flexible portions, an adjustment device with movable engagement members, and auxiliary portions. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently while maintaining overall system simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The mechanism incorporates movable engagement members that can transition between engaged and disengaged states, dynamically changing the flexibility of the functional body. This allows the oscillation characteristics to be adjusted in real-time based on user preferences without adding complex mechanical structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Strength

If the functional body is made rigid, then structural strength is improved, but oscillation flexibility and user comfort are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidoscillation flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The functional body incorporates localized flexible portions at specific regions while maintaining rigid structural elements elsewhere. This allows the chair to exhibit oscillation flexibility where needed while preserving overall structural strength and stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The adjustment device changes the physical state of the functional body by engaging or disengaging movable engagement members, thereby altering the flexibility parameter of the functional body without changing its structural integrity. This enables dynamic adjustment between rigid and flexible states.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple adjustment mechanisms are added, then oscillation customization is improved, but the number of parts and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoscillation customizationVSAvoidnumber of parts

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The adjustment device serves multiple functions simultaneously: it adjusts the flexibility of the functional body, controls the oscillation range, and provides structural support. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate adjustment mechanisms and minimizes the total number of parts.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The auxiliary portion is integrated with the functional body to form a unified structure that combines support and adjustment functions. This merging eliminates the need for separate components and simplifies the overall mechanism while maintaining oscillation customization capability.

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

Enables customizable oscillation adjustment for enhanced user comfort by simplifying the mechanism structure while allowing varied oscillation ranges and intensities.

Implementation Method 1

The functional body 3 is configured to be elastically deformable, e.g., under flexion, between the front hinge axis 20 and the rear hinge axis 40

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP4468919B1An oscillation mechanism for a chair or an armchair

Publication Date: 2025.10.22 DONATI SPA

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AI summary

The invention relates to an oscillation mechanism (6) for a chair or an armchair (1) comprising a seat (2) and a backrest (4). The oscillation mechanism (6) comprises: i) a functional body (3), hingeable to the seat (2) and/or the backrest (4), having at least one flexible functional portion (15) that is elastically deformable; ii) an adjustment device (5) comprising a movable engagement member (38), and an auxiliary portion (33) connected to the at least one flexible functional portion (15) having a free end (37); The adjustment device (5) may be configured in: - a high- flexibility configuration, in which the auxiliary portion (33) is configured in a cantilever fashion; and - a reduced flexibility configuration, in which the movable engagement member (38) engages the free end (37), so that the auxiliary portion (33) bends elastically, e.g., under flexion, together with the at least one flexible functional portion (15).