Contoured Flexible Backrest 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 deflected, eliminating the need for peripheral frames and intermediate members, and incorporating an auxiliary support system for adjustable lumbar support.
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 reduce comfort and aesthetics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the peripheral frame entirely from the seating structure. Instead of using a frame to hold the flexible backrest member, the flexible member is tensioned between mounting portions of the seat and backrest supports, eliminating the source of hard contact points while maintaining the three-dimensional contour through the tensioning system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a flexible backrest member made of elastomeric material that can be tensioned to form the desired three-dimensional contour. This flexible membrane approach replaces the rigid peripheral frame, allowing the flexible member to maintain its shape through tension while avoiding hard contact points with the user.
2Shape
If intermediate members are used to push on the flexible member, then the flexible member can be formed into contour, but hard contact points are created which reduce comfort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates intermediate members that push on the flexible member. The contour is achieved instead through the tensioning of the flexible member between mounting portions, using the tension vectors to create the desired shape without any intermediate pushing elements that would create hard contact points.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the flexible member is tensioned between mounting portions, then hard contact points are eliminated, but the device complexity increases due to multiple mounting portions and tensioning requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the mounting portions into the existing seat and backrest support structures. The upper mounting portion is part of the seat, while the lower mounting portions are part of the backrest supports, merging the tensioning system with existing structural elements to minimize additional complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting portions serve multiple functions: they provide structural support for the seat and backrest, and simultaneously serve as anchor points for tensioning the flexible backrest member. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components and simplifies the overall device.
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 distributing tension evenly, providing soft initial support that transitions to firmness as needed, while eliminating hard contact points and allowing for adjustable lumbar support without additional structural elements.
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.