Elastomeric Chair Recline Mechanism for Multi-Position Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional office chairs provide inadequate support in alternative seating positions and require numerous separate parts for reclining motion, leading to material waste upon disposal.
Innovation Solution
A chair design featuring a recline mechanism with deformable members made of elastomeric materials, such as HYTREL, that allows the seat to move rearwardly and tilt as the back portion reclines, eliminating the need for separate recline springs and providing adjustable support across various seating positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If conventional recline mechanisms with multiple separate parts are used, then reclining motion is achieved, but material waste increases and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate recline mechanism parts into a single integrated deformable member made of elastomeric material. This single component performs the functions of multiple separate parts including recline springs, linkages, and dampers, thereby reducing material waste and simplifying the device structure while maintaining the reclining motion functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The deformable member serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides recline motion, acts as a spring, functions as a damper, and connects various chair components. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for multiple separate parts, reducing both material waste and device complexity
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional single-position chair design is used, then structural simplicity is maintained, but support quality in alternative positions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic elements through the deformable member that allows the chair to adapt to various seating positions. The elastomeric material enables continuous adjustment and movement, transforming the chair from a static single-position structure to a dynamic multi-position system that provides support across different orientations
3Adaptability or versatility
If deformable members made of elastomeric materials are used, then support quality across multiple positions improves, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the inherent properties of elastomeric materials that can be manufactured with standard precision tolerances. By selecting materials with appropriate durometer ratings and physical properties, the design achieves the desired adaptability across multiple seating positions without requiring extreme manufacturing precision, as the material's elastic properties provide tolerance compensation
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 chair offers enhanced support and adjustability across multiple seating positions while reducing material waste through a simplified recline mechanism, allowing users to comfortably change positions without requiring multiple parts.
Implementation Method 1
a recline mechanism with deformable members made of elastomeric materials, such as HYTREL, that allows the seat to move rearwardly and tilt as the back portion reclines
Data Source
AI summary
A chair has a supporting frame, a seat portion, a back portion, and a recline mechanism. The mechanism moves the seat portion upon a reclining action of the back portion. The mechanism has a rear deformable member and a front deformable member operatively connecting the seat portion and the supporting frame. The recline mechanism also has a lower deformable member operatively connecting a lower part of the back portion and the supporting frame, and a puller member above the lower deformable member. The recline mechanism is configured such that as the back portion is reclined, the lower deformable member deforms and the puller member applies a rearward pulling action which causes the seat portion to move and the front and rear deformable members to deform.