Elastomeric Chair Back Frame for Linkage-Free Recline
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lounge chair designs either lack recline functionality, compromising comfort, or utilize expensive and bulky linkage systems to achieve recline, limiting design options and increasing manufacturing costs.
Innovation Solution
A furniture design featuring a back frame with an upper and lower portion connected by elastomeric members that allow the back to recline without the need for expensive linkage systems, using elastomeric straps to maintain the reclined position without mechanical locking mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a linkage system is used to enable chair back recline, then comfort is improved, but manufacturing cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical linkage system with elastomeric members (elastic straps) that use elastic deformation to enable the chair back recline function. This substitution eliminates complex mechanical linkages, locks, and actuators while maintaining the recline capability through the elastic properties of the material.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical state and properties of the connecting elements from rigid mechanical linkages to flexible elastomeric materials. By utilizing the elastic modulus and deformation characteristics of elastomeric members, the system achieves recline functionality through material property changes rather than mechanical mechanism changes.
2Ease of operation
If a linkage system is used to enable chair back recline, then comfort is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs elastomeric members that are simpler and less expensive to manufacture compared to metal linkage systems. These elastomeric components can be produced through molding processes, eliminating the need for precision machining, assembly of multiple parts, and specialized fasteners required by traditional linkage systems.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a mechanical locking mechanism is used to maintain reclined position, then position stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The elastomeric members automatically maintain the reclined position through their elastic memory property. When the chair back is reclined, the elastomeric members deform and store elastic energy, creating a restoring force that maintains the new position without requiring external locking mechanisms. The system serves itself by using the deformation of the elastomeric material to both enable and maintain the reclined state.
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
Enables comfortable recline functionality without expensive systems, expanding design options while maintaining aesthetic appeal and reducing manufacturing costs.
Implementation Method 1
The back frame includes an upper portion and a lower portion. The upper portion is connected to the lower portion by one or more first elastomeric members so that the upper portion is moveable relative to the lower portion.
Implementation Method 2
The one or more first elastomeric members are configured so that the upper portion of the back frame is moveable to a reclined position upon a first force acting on the upper portion of the back frame to move the upper portion and is also configured to maintain that position after the first force is removed until a second force is applied to the upper portion of the back frame to move the upper portion to a different position
Data Source
AI summary
An article of furniture includes a base, a seat frame supported by the base, and a back frame attached to the seat frame. The back frame includes an upper portion and a lower portion. The upper portion is connected to the lower portion by at least one first elastomeric member such that the upper portion is moveable relative to the lower portion. The upper portion is moveable from an upright position to at least one reclined position. In some embodiments of the article of furniture, the at least one first elastomeric member is a strap composed of a polymeric material, such as, for example, a thermoplastic polyester elastomer or a polymeric material containing at least one elastomer. In some embodiments, the article of furniture may be designed as a chair, a lounge chair, or an office chair.