Clamped Seating Frame for Secure Replaceable Cushions

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing seating furniture in public spaces faces high maintenance and material costs due to frequent damage and the complexity of anchoring mechanisms, which restricts the use of various materials and thicknesses for seat and back cushions.

Innovation Solution

A seating furniture design featuring a standardized frame with seat and back parts clamped using a frictional connection secured by a stop, allowing for easy exchange and attachment of different materials and thicknesses, and a hidden screw connection for aesthetic appeal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If eyelets and pins are used to anchor cushion edges to the frame, then the cushions are securely anchored, but the device complexity increases and material selection is restricted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveanchoring securityVSAvoidanchoring mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the anchoring function from the cushion edges themselves and relocates it to dedicated engagement elements (eyelets or pins) that are attached to the peripheral edges. This separation allows the cushion material to focus on comfort while the engagement elements handle the mechanical anchoring, reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The engagement elements serve as intermediary components between the cushion and the frame. These intermediaries (eyelets or pins) simplify the connection mechanism by providing standardized attachment points that can be easily engaged with the frame structure, reducing the complexity of direct cushion-to-frame anchoring.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If eyelets are mounted on pins to anchor cushions, then secure anchoring is achieved, but the adaptability to different materials and thicknesses is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveanchoring securityVSAvoidmaterial and thickness flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The engagement elements are designed with universal applicability, where the same frame structure and engagement element types can accommodate different cushion materials and thicknesses. The engagement elements (eyelets or pins) are positioned on the peripheral edges and can engage with the frame regardless of the specific cushion material used, providing multi-functionality across different cushion configurations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The anchoring system is segmented into separate functional components: the engagement elements (eyelets or pins) attached to the cushion edges, and the corresponding frame structures. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each component and enables flexibility in material selection for cushions without affecting the frame design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of repair

If separate seat and back cushions are used with removable covers, then ease of repair is improved, but the device complexity increases due to multiple components

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecushion replacement simplicityVSAvoidnumber of components
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of repairVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The seating furniture is segmented into distinct functional modules: the frame structure, separate seat cushions, separate back cushions, and removable cover panels. This segmentation enables independent replacement of each component, significantly improving ease of repair while the standardized interfaces minimize the overall complexity management.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The cover panels are designed to be dynamically removable and reattachable, allowing users to access, clean, or replace the underlying cushions and padding. This dynamic design facilitates easy maintenance and repair operations without requiring disassembly of the entire furniture structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Ease of manufacture

If standardized frames are used to minimize individual components, then manufacturing efficiency is improved, but the adaptability to different seat and back configurations is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestandardization efficiencyVSAvoidconfiguration flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The standardized frame is designed with universal engagement structures that can accommodate different seat and back cushion configurations. The frame includes standardized openings, attachment points, and engagement element positions that work with various cushion types, materials, and thicknesses, providing multi-functionality while maintaining manufacturing standardization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The frame structure is segmented into standardized modular components with consistent interfaces and attachment mechanisms. This segmentation allows the frame to be manufactured using standardized processes while enabling flexible assembly of different seat and back configurations through the modular engagement elements and cushion attachments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 long-lasting seating comfort, easy setup, and versatility in using various materials, reducing maintenance costs and enhancing durability while maintaining a clean appearance.

Implementation Method 1

the seat and back parts each have an engagement element at the edge, which can be fastened in the frame joint via a frictional connection

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFrictional connection: Friction

Implementation Method 2

This press fit is positively secured by a stop

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical stop: Mechanical Fastener

Data Source

PatentEP2528477B1Seating furniture
Publication Date: 2014.01.08 KUSCH & CO SITZMOBELWERKE GMBH & CO KG
  • EP2528477B1 patent drawingFigure 1a
  • EP2528477B1 patent drawingFigure 1b
  • EP2528477B1 patent drawingFigure 1c

AI summary

The invention relates to seating furniture comprising two frames arranged at a distance to each other on a support, between which frames a seat part and a backrest part can be mounted, and the frames have one upper frame part and a lower frame part each which mechanically immobilize the seat part and the backrest part a the sides thereof. The upper frame part and the lower frame part are clamping elements that can be braced with each other. At least one clamping element has a laterally extending recess on each edge which recess forms a frame groove in which a respective engaging element provided on the edges of the seat part and of the backrest part can be mounted by way of a frictional connection to the upper fame part and the lower frame part. The recess has an undercut portion which forms a stop for holding the clamped engaging element by a form fit.