Contoured Elastomeric Backrest Without Hard Contact Points
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
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 eliminates the need for a peripheral frame and intermediate member, providing a soft initial support that firms up as the user deflects the backrest rearwardly, while maintaining an improved aesthetic.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a peripheral frame is used to hold the flexible member, then the flexible member can be supported in 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 the flexible backrest member, the invention uses mounting portions integrated into the seating structure that selectively engage the flexible member at specific locations (upper, lower, and intermediate mounting portions), thereby eliminating the hard contact points created by traditional frames while maintaining the necessary three-dimensional contour support.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces mounting portions as intermediary elements between the seating structure and the flexible backrest member. These mounting portions (including upper mounting portion, lower mounting portion, and intermediate mounting portion) serve as mediators that provide support without creating hard contact points, as they are designed to distribute forces and allow the flexible member to maintain its contoured shape without rigid frame constraints.
2Shape
If intermediate members are used to push on the flexible member to form contours, then three-dimensional shaping is achieved, but hard contact points are created which are uncomfortable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates intermediate pushing members from the design. Instead of using separate intermediate members to push on the flexible backrest member to create contours, the invention relies on the inherent elasticity and tension of the flexible member itself, combined with strategically positioned mounting portions, to achieve the desired three-dimensional shaping without any hard intermediate contact points.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state and properties of the flexible backrest member by utilizing its elastic properties and tension characteristics. The flexible member is designed with specific tensile strength and elasticity to maintain its contoured shape under tension between mounting portions, eliminating the need for rigid intermediate shaping members while providing comfortable contact.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the flexible member is tensioned between mounting portions, then three-dimensional contour is maintained, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the mounting portions with the existing seating structure framework. The upper mounting portion, lower mounting portion, and intermediate mounting portion are integrated into the seating structure rather than being separate components, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining the necessary tensioning system for three-dimensional contour maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting portions serve multiple functions: they provide structural support, maintain tension on the flexible backrest member, establish the three-dimensional contour, and integrate with the seating structure framework. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components, thereby simplifying the overall device complexity.
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 provides comfortable and firm support without hard contact points, enhancing user experience and aesthetics by utilizing tensioned elastomeric material to create a three-dimensional contour that adapts to the user's body shape.
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.
Implementation Method 2
The flexible member includes side edges extending and tensioned between the upper mounting portion and the side mounting portions. A tension vector directed away from the upper portion and taken along any point of each of the side edges has a forwardly extending component.
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.