Dual-Hinged Spring Assembly for Dynamic Seating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current seating solutions fail to adequately incorporate movement, which is recognized as essential for cognitive development and comfort, particularly for children and adults, as they often restrict natural physical movement leading to reduced cognitive performance and increased occupational injuries.
Innovation Solution
A dual-hinged spring assembly comprising elastomeric arcs with upward and downward ends connected by a hinge, allowing for cyclic compression and vertical rocking motion when secured to a surface, providing a range of amplitudes and frequencies for comfort and cognitive enhancement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If traditional seating solutions are used, then structural stability is maintained, but movement capability is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by transforming the static seating structure into a dynamic system using dual-hinged springs. These springs enable cyclic motion and rocking movements while maintaining structural integrity, allowing the seat to adapt to user movement needs without compromising stability. The spring mechanism provides controlled motion within defined parameters, resolving the contradiction between stability and movement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by adjusting the amplitude and frequency of the spring mechanism to provide varying degrees of movement. The dual-hinged springs can be configured to produce different motion characteristics, allowing the seating system to transition between more stable and more dynamic states based on operational requirements, thus balancing structural stability with movement capability.
2Ease of manufacture
If fixed seating structures are used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but cognitive development support is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the spring mechanism into dual-hinged components that can be manufactured separately and then assembled. This modular approach maintains manufacturing simplicity while creating a complex dynamic system that supports cognitive development through movement. The segmented spring assembly allows for easier production and assembly compared to monolithic dynamic structures.
3Adaptability or versatility
If movement is incorporated into seating, then cognitive function is enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the merging principle by combining the upper and lower spring arcs with hinge connections to create an integrated dual-hinged spring assembly. This unified structure provides the necessary movement for cognitive function enhancement while reducing the number of separate components compared to alternative designs. The merged spring system delivers complex motion capabilities through a relatively simple integrated mechanism.
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 dual-hinged spring assembly promotes cognitive abilities and comfort by allowing natural movement, reducing occupational injuries and enhancing ergonomic seating, while also providing a calming effect for infants and potentially benefiting pregnant individuals.
Implementation Method 1
two elastomeric arcs including an upper arc having downward ends, and a lower arc having upward ends, the upward ends of the lower arc being movably connected to the downward ends of the upper arc, thereby forming an ovoid spring. Further, when the lower arc is secured against a supporting surface, pressure against the upper arc causes the dual-hinge spring to compress.
Data Source
AI summary
A dual-hinged spring assembly. One assembly comprises two elastomeric arcs including an upper arc having downward ends, and a lower arc having upward ends, the upward ends of the lower arc being movably connected to the downward ends of the upper arc, thereby forming an ovoid spring. Further, when the lower arc is secured against a supporting surface, pressure against the upper arc causes the dual-hinge spring to compress.