Mesh Folding Chair Structure for Thin Comfortable Stacking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Folding chairs often compromise on comfort and storage density due to bulkiness in the folded position, with prior art chairs either being uncomfortable or difficult to stack and store securely, and lacking in aesthetic appeal.
Innovation Solution
A mesh folding chair design featuring a seat and backrest with flexible, elastic mesh or patterned open texture plastic supported by all-plastic frames, allowing for comfortable seating while maintaining high storage density through a compact, stable, and stackable configuration, with features like tubular rear legs and top stops for secure stacking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional rigid metal seats and seat backs are used, then structural strength is improved, but comfort deteriorates and storage density worsens due to increased thickness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces rigid metal seats and seat backs with flexible mesh material stretched over plastic hoops. This allows the seating surfaces to be thin yet maintain structural integrity through the elasticity and tension of the mesh, significantly reducing the folded thickness while preserving strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a composite structure combining plastic hoops (for structural support) with mesh material (for comfort and flexibility). This composite approach allows the seat to achieve both strength and thinness, as the plastic hoops provide the necessary rigidity while the mesh provides flexibility and comfort in a thin profile.
2Ease of operation
If cushions are added to improve comfort, then seating comfort is improved, but storage density deteriorates due to increased thickness when folded
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible mesh material itself provides cushioning through its elastic properties, eliminating the need for separate cushion layers. The mesh can deform under body weight to provide comfort while remaining thin, achieving comfort without the bulk that traditional foam cushions would add to the folded chair.
3Stability of the object's composition
If chairs are designed to stack securely, then stacking stability is improved, but device complexity worsens due to complicated hanging rack systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the stacking function into simple, discrete features: feet on the legs and corresponding receptacles on the chair frame. Each chair is self-contained with these stacking features, allowing independent stacking without requiring complex interconnected rack systems. This segmentation simplifies the overall system while maintaining stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The chairs are designed with self-aligning stacking features where the feet and receptacles automatically guide and secure the stacking process. The symmetrical design allows chairs to stack stably without external assistance or complex mechanisms, making the stacking system self-sufficient and simple.
4Ease of operation
If symmetrical chair design is used, then ease of stacking is improved, but handling difficulty worsens due to weight
Solution Approach 1:
The mesh material and thin plastic hoops significantly reduce the overall weight of the chair compared to traditional solid wood or metal construction. This weight reduction makes the symmetrical chairs easier to handle and maneuver while maintaining the stacking advantages of symmetry.
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 mesh folding chair provides enhanced comfort and space-saving storage capabilities while maintaining structural integrity and affordability, supporting user weight with reduced weight and part count, ensuring stability and ease of handling.
Implementation Method 1
The backrest has a continuous sheet of flexible and elastic mesh or patterned open texture plastic held between the backrest supports of the frame sides. The seat has a continuous sheet of flexible and elastic mesh or patterned open texture plastic held between a seat frame fixed between the frame sides.
Data Source
AI summary
A folding and stacking chair system includes a plurality of folding and stacking chairs having an unfolded seating position in which the chairs are configured for sitting upon, and a folded and stacked position in which the chairs are folded and stacked together. Each chair has a seat and a backrest carried between opposite frame sides each with a backrest support, a front leg and a rear leg. The seat and the backrest each have a continuous sheet of flexible and elastic mesh or patterned open texture plastic held between the backrest supports of the frame sides.