Chair Back Spring Can Assembly for Compact Reclining Flex
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing stackable chairs with flexible backrests require labor-intensive disassembly for spring replacement and have limited reclining movement due to the use of elongated springs and additional support components, which increase the frame's width or depth.
Innovation Solution
A spring assembly is integrated directly into the rear cross support member of the seat assembly, featuring a compression member that allows easy adjustment of flex tension, eliminating the need for elongated springs and their support components, and enabling smooth reclining and return of the back support frame.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If elongated spring members are used to provide flexible back support, then the backrest flexibility is improved, but the device complexity and frame width/depth increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the spring function from the traditional elongated leaf spring configuration and relocates it to a compact coil spring assembly positioned at the rear cross support member. This extraction eliminates the need for long spring members extending throughout the frame, reducing overall frame complexity while maintaining backrest flexibility through the compressed coil spring mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a linear elongated spring arrangement to a compact three-dimensional coil spring assembly. By stacking the coil spring vertically and positioning it at the rear cross support member, the design achieves the same flexing function in a different spatial dimension, reducing the horizontal width and depth requirements of the frame.
2Reliability
If elongated spring members with support components are used, then back support functionality is improved, but the frame width or depth must be increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent repositions the spring function from a horizontal elongated arrangement to a vertical compact coil spring assembly at the rear cross support member. This dimensional change allows the back support functionality to be achieved within a smaller horizontal footprint, maintaining reliability while reducing frame width and depth requirements.
3Stability of the object's composition
If spring members are securely fastened to the frame, then structural stability is improved, but spring replacement becomes labor intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the spring assembly into distinct modular components: the coil spring, plunger member, can member, and retainer. This segmentation allows the spring mechanism to be easily disassembled and reassembled during replacement, reducing labor intensity while maintaining structural stability through proper reassembly of the segmented components.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention incorporates a dynamic retainer mechanism that can be moved between engaged and disengaged positions. When disengaged, the plunger member can be freely inserted or removed from the can member, making spring replacement easy. When engaged, the retainer secures the plunger member to maintain structural stability during normal use.
4Reliability
If U-shaped brackets are added to limit spring flexing, then excessive movement is prevented, but additional spring members and brackets are required for rigorous use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the movement limiting function into the existing can member structure. The can member's internal geometry and the plunger member's interaction with the can's open end provide inherent movement limits without requiring separate U-shaped brackets. This merging reduces assembly complexity while maintaining reliable control of spring flexing during rigorous use.
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 facilitates easy replacement and adjustment of the spring assembly, enhancing the reclining functionality and stackability of chairs by reducing the complexity and space requirements of the frame, while maintaining the back support's flexibility and upright return mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
A spring assembly is integrated directly into the rear cross support member of the seat assembly, featuring a compression member that allows easy adjustment of flex tension
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a chair containing a flexible back support frame mechanism that includes an improved spring assembly designed to allow reclining movement of a back support frame relative to a seat assembly. The spring can assembly of the present invention is, preferably, carried by a rear cross support member thereby eliminating the need for cumbersome elongated springs and their attendant support members. Further, the spring can assembly of the present invention allows the compression member to be readily and easily changed, thus providing the ability to easily adjust the flex tension of the back support member.