Collapsible Hanging Chair Frame for Ergonomic Folding Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hanging chairs fail to simultaneously provide comfort, ergonomics, safety, ease of transportation, and space-efficient storage, often requiring users to adopt unhealthy positions due to rigid structures and difficult folding mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A collapsible hanging chair design featuring three ring-shaped frame elements connected by releasable and pivoting connections, allowing for a space-saving assembly and disassembly, with a motorized suspension system for ergonomic support and easy access, suitable for use in virtual reality simulators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If rigid wicker walls are used in hanging chairs, then structural strength is improved, but ergonomics and comfort deteriorate because the user's spine must conform to the rigid shape which does not correspond to individual anatomy
Solution Approach 1:
The rigid wicker wall is segmented into multiple flexible support elements (straps or webbing) that can be independently positioned and adjusted. These segmented elements provide structural support while allowing the canvas to conform to the user's body shape, resolving the contradiction between strength and ergonomics.
Solution Approach 2:
The hanging chair transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic flexible structure where the support elements can adapt their configuration based on user movement and body shape. This dynamic flexibility allows the chair to maintain structural integrity while providing ergonomic comfort.
2Stability of the object's composition
If rigid stiffening elements are used to support the canvas seat, then structural stability is improved, but ease of transportation and storage deteriorates due to the inability to fold compactly
Solution Approach 1:
The frame is divided into multiple collapsible segments connected by articulation points, allowing the structure to be divided into smaller manageable parts for transportation while maintaining stability when assembled. The suspension system is also segmented into adjustable straps that can be independently folded.
Solution Approach 2:
The collapsible frame segments are designed to nest within each other when folded, with larger segments containing smaller ones, significantly reducing the volume required for transportation and storage while maintaining structural stability when deployed.
3Volume of moving object
If the hanging chair is designed without stiffening elements to reduce storage space, then ease of storage is improved, but ergonomics deteriorates as the user assumes an unhealthy hunched position
Solution Approach 1:
The chair uses dynamic flexible support elements that can adapt their rigidity and shape based on user interaction. When in use, the elements provide sufficient support to maintain proper posture, but when folded, they collapse to minimal volume for storage.
Solution Approach 2:
The physical parameters of the support elements (flexibility, tension, configuration) are dynamically adjusted during use to provide ergonomic support, while in storage mode these parameters change to minimize volume. The canvas tension and support element configuration are optimized for both comfort and compactness at different times.
4Ease of manufacture
If traditional suspension systems are used, then ease of assembly is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to difficulty in sitting into and getting out of the chair
Solution Approach 1:
The entry/exit area is segmented with a dedicated frame element that creates an enlarged opening. This segmented design allows users to easily access the seat while the rest of the structure maintains its integrity. The suspension points are also segmented to allow independent adjustment for optimal entry geometry.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 1a
Figure 1b
AI summary
The invention relates to a hanging chair that contains a frame (2), suspension (50) that may be secured to the frame (2) and a first canvas (70) determining a seat (72) supported by the frame (2), characterised by that the frame (2) contains three ring-shaped frame elements (10, 20, 30), of which - a first and second frame element (10, 20) are secured to each other along a first axis (125) with a first pair of fasteners (123, 124), - the second and a third frame element (20, 30) are secured to each other along a second axis (235) on a side of the second frame element (20) opposite the first axis (125) with a second pair of fasteners (233, 234), and - the first and third frame elements (10, 30) are secured to each other along a third axis (135) on a side of the first frame element (10) opposite the first axis (125) with a third pair of fasteners (133, 134), and with the frame elements (10, 20, 30) secured to each other and in suspended state, the suspension (50) is located outside of the frame (2), above the first frame element (10), while the second pair of fasteners (233, 234) securing the second and third frame elements (20, 30) to each other are located below the first frame element (10), the seat (72) of the first canvas (70) is located outside of the frame (2), outwards from the second frame element (20), and the third frame element (30) delimits a seat opening (33) permitting access to the seat (72). The invention also relates to a virtual reality simulator that contains such a hanging chair.