Extension lumbar support pads for office chair
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Solution Overview
Problem
Many office chairs lack effective lumbar support, leading to back pain for users, as existing lumbar support structures are not universally effective for all individuals and may not provide sufficient or appropriate support for the lumbar region.
Innovation Solution
A lumbar support assembly with extension pad assemblies that can be mounted to existing lumbar support structures, featuring a base with a recessed mounting structure and mounting clips, allowing for additional pressure and support to be applied to the lumbar region by snapping onto the existing structures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing lumbar support structures are used, then the chair provides basic lumbar support, but the support is not sufficient or effective for all individuals
Solution Approach 1:
The lumbar support system is divided into two segments: the original lumbar support structure integrated into the chair, and the extension pad assembly that can be attached to it. This segmentation allows the extension pad to be added only when additional support is needed, while maintaining the original chair's basic functionality. The extension pad assembly includes a base portion that attaches to the existing support and an extension portion that provides additional lumbar support.
Solution Approach 2:
The extension pad assembly is designed with universal mounting features that can attach to various types of existing lumbar support structures. The base portion includes mounting mechanisms that can interface with different chair designs, making the extension pad applicable to multiple chair models and configurations. This universality allows one extension pad design to serve multiple functions across different chair types.
2Reliability
If lumbar support structures are added to enhance support, then lumbar support effectiveness improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The extension pad assembly is designed to nest onto the existing lumbar support structure rather than requiring a completely separate mounting system. The base portion of the extension pad fits over or attaches to the existing support, creating a nested configuration where the new component integrates with the old one. This nesting approach minimizes the overall complexity by utilizing the existing structure as part of the mounting system.
Solution Approach 2:
The extension pad assembly includes self-contained mounting features that attach to the existing lumbar support without requiring additional tools or complex installation procedures. The mounting mechanism is integrated into the base portion of the extension pad, allowing it to secure itself to the existing structure. This self-service approach reduces the overall system complexity by eliminating the need for separate mounting hardware or complex assembly steps.
Data Source
AI summary
A lumbar support assembly for an office chair is presented herein. The lumbar support assembly includes at least one extension pad assembly which may be mounted to an existing lumbar support structure of an office chair. The extension pad assembly includes a base and a pad, wherein the base includes a recessed mounting structure disposed one side thereof. The recessed mounting structure is defined by a recessed surface at least partially surrounded by a retention wall, with the pad mounted to the opposite side of the base. One or more mounting clips extend from the retaining wall allowing the existing lumbar support structure to be snapped and engaged therein. With the extension pad assembly mounted in this manner, additional pressure and support can be added to the lumbar region of an individual seated in the chair.