Cushion with Hinged Movable Frames for Multi-Configuration Furniture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional upholstered furniture backrests and armrests lack versatility and comfort due to limited degrees of freedom and internal rigid frames, which restrict their ability to provide both support and softness, especially when used as cushions for beds, sofas, and armchairs.
Innovation Solution
A cushion design featuring a soft material upholstery with an elongated fixed frame and independently hinged movable frames that can adjust to different orientations, combined with connecting members that allow for stable association with furniture, providing both support and pliability without internal rigid members.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If conventional upholstered backrests use a fixed rigid frame with a single movable frame, then structural stability is improved, but the number of configurations and versatility are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The backrest is divided into multiple independent movable frames (first movable frame and second movable frame) that can rotate independently relative to the fixed frame. This segmentation allows each frame to contribute to the overall configurability, enabling a greater number of positions and orientations while maintaining structural stability through the fixed frame base.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces multiple degrees of freedom by allowing the first movable frame to rotate relative to the fixed frame and the second movable frame to rotate relative to the first movable frame. This dynamic multi-level rotation system enables continuous adjustment of the backrest configuration, transforming a static structure into a dynamically adaptable one.
2Strength
If conventional backrests use internal rigid frames for support, then body weight support is improved, but softness and pliability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies different qualities to different parts of the backrest: the fixed frame and movable frames provide rigid structural support for bearing body weight, while the upholstery layers (first and second upholstery) provide softness and pliability. This local differentiation allows each component to perform its optimal function without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The backrest combines rigid frame structures (metal or wood) with soft upholstery materials (foam, fabric, leather) to create a composite structure. This composite design integrates the load-bearing capability of rigid materials with the comfort-providing properties of soft materials, achieving both support and pliability simultaneously.
3Ease of operation
If conventional cushions have low filling degree for softness, then pliability is improved, but supporting function is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The movable frames act as intermediaries between the rigid fixed frame and the soft upholstery layers. They transmit and distribute body weight forces through their rotational joints to the fixed frame, providing structural support, while the upholstery layers maintain their low filling degree for pliability. The intermediary frames enable the soft cushion to perform supporting functions without requiring high filling density.
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 cushion offers enhanced versatility and comfort by allowing multiple configurations and stable positioning, effectively addressing the limitations of conventional designs by providing both support and softness, similar to free-standing pillows, while maintaining adequate body support.
Implementation Method 1
at least two movable frames housed within the same cushion element at said upper section, with each of said movable frames being hinged, independently from the remainder, to the fixed frame according to at least a substantially horizontal hinge axis
Data Source
AI summary
A cushion (1) whose configuration can be varied is constituted by a cushion element (10) inside which there is a fixed frame (20), which covers a lower section (13) of said cushion element (10), and two movable frames (25A), (25B), symmetrical, hinged above said fixed frame (20) and adapted to be comprised within an upper section (14) of the cushion element (10) itself. The movable frames (25 A), (25B) can swing up to 180° independently of one another, for aligning a respective portion (14A), (14B) of said upper section (14) from an external horizontal position (HE) to an internal horizontal position (HI), passing through a vertical neutral position (N) in which the same portion (14A), (14B) is substantially aligned with said lower section (13). In a sofa (D) or an armchair (P) in which the backrest (100) and the armrests (110) are defined by respective cushions (1), many possible configurations of the same are possible, in order to offer maximum seating comfort.