Contoured Flexible Backrest Structure Without Hard Contact Points
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional seating structures with flexible backrests often create undesirable hard contact points due to the use of peripheral frames or intermediate members, which can be uncomfortable and aesthetically unappealing.
Innovation Solution
A seating structure design featuring a flexible backrest member made of elastomeric material, tensioned between upper and lower mounting portions, with a unique three-dimensional contour that provides soft initial support and firm support as the user deflects the backrest rearward, eliminating the need for a peripheral frame and intermediate member, and incorporating an auxiliary support system for adjustable lumbar support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If a peripheral frame is used to hold the flexible member, then the flexible member can be put in tension to provide three-dimensional contour, but hard contact points are created which are uncomfortable and aesthetically unappealing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the peripheral frame entirely from the design. Instead of using a frame to hold and tension the flexible backrest member, the invention uses a mounting structure with upper and lower support members that attach the flexible member at specific points, eliminating the frame-induced hard contact points while preserving the three-dimensional contour through strategic tensioning at mounting locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediate mounting structures (upper support member and lower support member with mounting portions) that mediate between the flexible member and the chair frame. These intermediaries distribute the tension forces across multiple attachment points rather than creating single hard contact points, allowing the flexible member to maintain its contoured shape without direct hard frame contact.
2Shape
If intermediate members are used to push on the flexible member to form contours, then the flexible member can be shaped, but hard contact points are created which are uncomfortable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates intermediate pushing members entirely. Instead of using separate components to push against the flexible member to create contours, the invention forms the three-dimensional shape through the tensioning of the flexible member itself between upper and lower mounting portions, allowing the contour to be created without any hard intermediate contact points.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the natural curvature and flexibility of the elastomeric backrest member to create the desired lumbar support contour. The flexible member is tensioned to form a forwardly facing concave shape at the lumbar region, utilizing the material's elastic properties rather than rigid intermediate members to achieve the contoured shape.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid backrest structure is used, then structural stability is provided, but comfort is reduced due to hard contact points and lack of flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible elastomeric backrest member that functions as a flexible shell, tensioned between upper and lower mounting portions to provide structural stability. The flexibility of this shell allows it to conform to the user's back while maintaining its contoured shape, providing stability without hard contact points.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a composite construction combining the flexible elastomeric backrest member with rigid mounting structures (upper support member and lower support member). This composite approach allows the flexible member to provide comfort and contour while the rigid mounting portions provide structural stability and attachment to the chair frame.
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 design offers improved comfort and aesthetics by providing a soft yet firm support without hard contact points, while allowing for adjustable lumbar support and reduced complexity in assembly.
Implementation Method 1
A flexible member has an upper portion connected to the upper mounting portion and a lower portion fixedly connected to the side mounting portions and the middle mounting portion. The flexible member includes side edges extending and tensioned between the upper mounting portion and the side mounting portions.
Data Source
AI summary
A seating structure includes a backrest member having an upper edge, opposite side edges and a lower edge. The backrest member has a forwardly facing convex shape formed along a vertical centerline thereof between the upper and lower edges. The lower edge has a forwardly facing concave shape. The lower edge has outer portions positioned forwardly of an entirety of the upper edge.