Load bearing surface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing load bearing surfaces, such as molded plastic chairs and elastomeric fabrics, fail to provide adequate support and comfort due to their linear force/deflection profiles and limited tunability, leading to discomfort and ergonomic issues in seating and other body-support applications.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a support structure and a molded elastomeric membrane with a crystalline structure aligned in one direction more than another, featuring mechanical structures that decouple support characteristics and attachment means with tapered snaps and integral edges, allowing for varying degrees of elasticity and support in different directions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If molded plastic chairs are used to provide an inexpensive seating option, then cost is reduced, but support and comfort are insufficient due to linear force/deflection profile
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by using elastomeric material with non-linear force/deflection characteristics instead of linear molded plastic. The elastomeric membrane provides progressive resistance to deflection, creating a more comfortable seating experience while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through injection molding processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite materials by combining elastomeric polymer materials that exhibit non-linear mechanical properties. This composite approach allows the seat to provide both comfort through elastic deformation and structural support, resolving the contradiction between low cost and comfort.
2Ease of operation
If elastomeric fabrics are used to provide comfortable and ventilated seating, then comfort is improved, but hammocking occurs causing hip rotation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the mechanical parameters of the elastomeric material to provide non-linear force/deflection characteristics. This creates a membrane that resists excessive deflection under load, preventing hammocking and hip rotation while maintaining the comfort and ventilation benefits of elastomeric fabrics.
3Stability of the object's composition
If elastomeric membrane is stretched tightly to minimize hammocking, then posture stability is improved, but cushion-like feel is reduced making it feel like a drum
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the non-linear force/deflection parameters of elastomeric materials to achieve an optimal balance. The membrane is configured to provide progressive resistance that prevents hammocking at high deflections while maintaining a cushion-like feel at lower deflections, resolving the contradiction between posture stability and comfort.
4Adaptability or versatility
If conventional molded seats use different materials and thicknesses to control characteristics, then limited tunability is achieved, but sufficient control for different applications is not obtained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by utilizing elastomeric materials with inherently non-linear mechanical properties. This provides a wide range of tunability for different applications through material selection and geometric configuration, while maintaining ease of manufacture through standard injection molding processes.
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 system provides a strong, flexible, and ventilated load bearing surface with reduced creep, enabling tailored support and comfort characteristics suitable for seating applications by adjusting elasticity and stiffness in specific directions, enhancing user comfort and reducing body fatigue.
Implementation Method 1
at least a portion of said membrane being oriented to have a crystalline structure with a greater alignment in a first direction than in a second direction
Implementation Method 2
said portions of greater orientation having a greater degree of elasticity than said other portions
Implementation Method 3
said attachment means includes an integral edge molded into said membrane, said integral edge defining a plurality of receptacle holes, and each of said snaps being inserted into a corresponding one of said receptacle holes
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~4
AI summary
An elastomerie load bearing surface with different load support characteiistics in different directions, In one embodiment the surface includes an eiastomei ic membrane that is oriented in only a single direction, for example, by compression or stretching. In another embodiment, the surface includes mechanical structures, such as connectors and variations in thickness that vary the load support characteristics in different directions. In another embodiment, a surface is both oriented and includes mechanical structures.