Dividable Chair Seat Mechanism for Sitting-to-Kneeling Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional chairs fail to provide effective relief for the spinal column during prolonged sitting, lacking versatility in adjusting positions to accommodate both sitting and kneeling configurations comfortably, especially for users with spinal issues.
Innovation Solution
A dual-functional chair with a dividable seat that automatically converts between sitting and kneeling positions using bevel gear mechanisms, cogged belts, or tie rods, featuring a base with three arms and a mechanism for maintaining the backrest's angle of inclination, allowing for semi-automatic or fully automatic transitions without manual effort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the chair is designed as a conventional single-function sitting chair, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but it fails to provide relief for the spinal column during prolonged sitting and lacks versatility
Solution Approach 1:
The seat is divided into two separate parts: a front seat part and a rear seat part, which can be independently positioned. This segmentation allows the chair to provide both sitting and kneeling configurations while maintaining manageable structural complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The chair is designed to perform multiple functions: it can accommodate both sitting and kneeling positions, and the knee rest can serve as either a support surface or be converted into an armrest. This multi-functionality increases adaptability without proportionally increasing complexity
2Ease of operation
If manual conversion mechanisms are used, then the structure is simpler, but the user must exert physical effort to convert between positions which is difficult for persons with spine problems
Solution Approach 1:
The chair incorporates a spring mechanism that automatically performs the conversion from sitting to kneeling position when the user releases the lock, eliminating the need for the user to exert physical effort. The system serves itself by using the user's weight and the spring's stored energy to drive the conversion
Solution Approach 2:
The spring mechanism is pre-loaded with potential energy during the sitting configuration, so that when the lock is released, the stored energy automatically drives the conversion to the kneeling position without requiring additional user input
3Stability of the object's composition
If the backrest angle is fixed, then the structure is simpler, but it cannot maintain proper inclination during position conversion
Solution Approach 1:
The backrest is designed with dynamic adjustment capability through a linkage mechanism connected to the seat conversion system. As the seat transitions between positions, the linkage automatically adjusts the backrest angle to maintain proper inclination, transforming a static component into a dynamically adaptive one
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 chair offers enhanced user comfort by allowing seamless transitions between sitting and kneeling positions, maintaining backrest angle stability, and providing universal usability, particularly beneficial for individuals with spinal issues, without revealing its rehabilitative nature, thus suitable for offices and public spaces.
Implementation Method 1
bevel gear mechanisms
Implementation Method 2
spring action started after releasing the lock
Data Source
AI summary
A dual functional chair with a dividable seat may be used in a sitting and kneeling-sitting configuration. The seat includes a front part (1) that is convertible into a knee rest. The front part is operatively connected rotationally and slidably or rotationally only, to a movable front arm of a base of the seat, rotating on the axis of a rotational mechanism (3). The seat includes a rear part (4) having a variable angle of inclination, operatively connected via a rotational mechanism (5) to a rear arm (6) of the base of the seat.