Dorsokinetic backrest of a seat, seating furniture

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing dorsokinetic backrests for office swivel chairs lack efficient height adjustment mechanisms that are easy to assemble and transport, compromising ergonomics and logistical efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A dorsokinetic backrest design featuring a linear guide between the backrest support and base plate, allowing vertical displacement as the sole degree of freedom, coupled with a locking device for adjustable height positions, enabling tool-free assembly and volume-optimized transport.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a traditional dorsokinetic backrest design is used, then the backrest provides mobility and ergonomic support, but the height adjustment mechanism is complex and difficult to assemble

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of assemblyVSAvoidcomplexity of height adjustment mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The backrest is divided into separate components: a backrest support, a base plate, and a dorsokinetic bearing. The linear guide is integrated into the backrest support, allowing the base plate to be independently adjusted in height along the guide elements without requiring complex assembly mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The linear guide acts as an intermediary mechanism between the backrest support and the base plate. It provides a structured path with guide elements that simplify the height adjustment process by constraining movement to a single vertical degree of freedom, eliminating the need for complex adjustment mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Volume of stationary object

If the backrest is designed as a single integrated unit, then assembly is simple, but transport volume is large and logistics costs are high

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransport volumeVSAvoidease of assembly
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of stationary objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The backrest system is segmented into modular components that can be separately manufactured and transported. The base plate, backrest support, and dorsokinetic bearing are distinct parts that can be packed more efficiently than a single integrated unit, reducing overall transport volume while maintaining assembly simplicity through the linear guide integration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The linear guide elements are integrated into the structure of the backrest support, and the base plate nests within or along the guide structure during assembly. This nested arrangement allows compact packaging during transport while enabling easy assembly when the components are put together.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple degrees of freedom are allowed in the base plate mounting, then mobility is increased, but the dorsokinetic bearing's intended mobility is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemobility of dorsokinetic bearingVSAvoidstability of base plate mounting
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The linear guide provides different constraints at different locations: the guide elements constrain the base plate to vertical movement only at the mounting points, while the dorsokinetic bearing maintains its full mobility characteristics at the backrest frame connection. This local differentiation preserves the intended functionality of each component.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The linear guide integrates multiple functions: it provides structural support, defines the vertical degree of freedom, and stabilizes the base plate mounting. By merging these functions into a single integrated component, the design achieves stable mounting without compromising the dorsokinetic bearing's mobility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP2721962B1Dorsokinetic backrest of a seat, seating furniture
Publication Date: 2017.07.12 SEDUS STOLL
  • EP2721962B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2721962B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2721962B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The backrest (1) has a backrest support (2) and a base plate (3) on which a dorso-kinetic bearing (4) is provided. A common linear guide (5) is provided between the backrest support and base plate and is designed such that the linear guide allows single degree of freedom (F) and height displacement of the base plate relative to the backrest support. A common locking unit (6) is provided for locking the base plate relative to the backrest support at different predetermined positions of the linear guide, and is provided between the backrest support and base plate. An independent claim is included for a seat.