Integral Deformable Chair Mechanism for Energy Storage and Low Wear
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing seating furniture mechanisms, such as office chair pivoting systems, require multiple separate components for energy storage, leading to complex constructions, increased manufacturing and assembly costs, and potential material stress, which can reduce the service life of the chair mechanics.
Innovation Solution
Integrating deformable elements into the existing components of the seating furniture, such as the base support, seat support, or backrest support, to serve as both energy storage and counteracting forces, replacing real pivot points with virtual ones, thereby simplifying the construction and reducing the number of required components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate spring elements are used for energy storage in pivoting mechanisms, then the mechanism can provide the necessary counteracting force, but the construction becomes complex and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the energy storage function with existing structural components (base support, seat support, backrest support) by making them deformable. Instead of adding separate spring elements, the structural components themselves are designed to deform elastically under load, providing the necessary counteracting force while maintaining structural integrity. This merging eliminates the need for additional separate components and reduces overall construction complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes existing structural components serve dual functions: they provide structural support and simultaneously function as energy storage elements through controlled deformability. The base support, seat support, and backrest support are all designed to be deformable, allowing them to store and release energy during pivoting movements while maintaining their primary structural role. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of components needed.
2Ease of operation
If multiple separate components are used for energy storage, then the pivoting mechanism can achieve ergonomic movement, but manufacturing and assembly costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the energy storage function with existing structural components, eliminating the need for separate spring elements that would require additional manufacturing steps and assembly operations. The deformable structural components are manufactured as integral parts, reducing both manufacturing complexity and assembly costs while still providing the necessary ergonomic pivoting movement.
3Ease of operation
If real pivot points with bearings are used, then the mechanism can achieve smooth pivoting movement, but material stress and wear increase reducing service life
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical pivot point system with bearings and axles with a deformable structural system. Instead of relying on friction-based mechanical joints, the mechanism uses elastic deformation of structural components to enable smooth pivoting movement. This substitution eliminates the wear and material stress associated with traditional pivot points while maintaining movement smoothness.
4Ease of manufacture
If the number of components is reduced by integrating deformation elements, then manufacturing costs decrease, but the ability to provide complex movement characteristics may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses parameter changes in the deformability characteristics of structural components to achieve complex movement patterns. By adjusting the degree of deformability, stiffness, and elastic properties of the base support, seat support, and backrest support, the mechanism can provide various pivoting movements and movement characteristics without requiring additional components. This allows cost reduction while maintaining movement versatility.
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
This approach reduces manufacturing and assembly costs, minimizes material stress and wear, and increases the service life of the chair mechanics by allowing for more complex movement characteristics with fewer components, while maintaining ergonomic functionality.
Implementation Method 1
The element is characterized in that it is designed as an integral deformable element, i.e. one piece integrated into the device, which serves as an energy storage element. The deformation element not only enables the device, e.g. As an energy storage element, the deformation element also provides - from the respective component itself - a counteracting force that opposes a functional deformation
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an element (8) of a device, in particular an element of a seating furniture assembly (10) or a seating furniture assembly component. The invention also relates to a device for seating furniture, in particular a seating furniture assembly (10), e.g., a swivel mechanism, with such an element (8). Furthermore, the invention relates to seating furniture with such a device (10) or with such an element (8). To simplify the construction of seating furniture, the use of an integral, i.e., integrated into the device, deformable deformation element (8), preferably made of a plastic material, is proposed, which serves as an energy storage element.