Fabric for modular chair

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing chair fabrics with varying mechanical properties for different areas are aesthetically unsatisfactory and uncomfortable due to visible irregularities and unevenness, leading to uncontrolled fabric release from the structure.

Innovation Solution

A modular chair fabric with a hybrid structure combining knitted and woven techniques, using a main filament and secondary filaments woven alternately or between layers to create localized areas of different mechanical properties, which are concealed within the fabric, ensuring evenness and controlled attachment to the chair frame.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If portions of fabric with different elasticities are created using existing methods, then areas with different mechanical properties are achieved, but visible irregularities and surface unevenness occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemechanical properties variationVSAvoidsurface regularity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by varying the knitting pattern, stitch type, or yarn composition in specific zones of the fabric to achieve different mechanical properties (elasticity, rigidity, compression) in different areas while maintaining a uniform external appearance. This allows the fabric to adapt to different anatomical regions requiring different support characteristics.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes physical parameters of the fabric structure such as knit density, loop size, yarn thickness, or material composition in different zones to achieve varying mechanical properties. These parameter changes are implemented in a way that does not create visible surface irregularities, resolving the contradiction between functional variation and aesthetic uniformity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If fabric is coupled to chair structure using existing methods, then attachment is achieved, but uncontrolled fabric release occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment stabilityVSAvoidfabric release control
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic attachment system where the fabric can be easily installed and removed through a controlled mechanism. This may involve snap fittings, magnetic attachments, or interlocking elements that provide secure attachment during use but allow deliberate removal when needed, achieving both reliability and operational control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If pre-formed structure is covered with irregular material, then areas with different elasticity are achieved, but aesthetic appearance is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelasticity distributionVSAvoidexternal appearance
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses local quality variations in the fabric's internal structure (knitting pattern, yarn selection, stitch density) to create different elasticity zones without affecting the external surface appearance. This allows the fabric to provide customized mechanical support in different areas while maintaining a uniform, aesthetically pleasing external appearance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP3996552B1Fabric for modular chair
Publication Date: 2023.10.11 DV8 ID SRL
  • EP3996552B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3996552B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5b
  • EP3996552B1 patent drawingFigure 6~8

AI summary

A fabric (21) for a modular chair (1) is provided that is suitable for defining a surface (210) in use, suitable for supporting a user when seated on the chair (1), and a perimeter area (211) defined by the edges of the surface (210), wherein the fabric (21) includes, at the surface (210), a periodic weave, the base of which comprises at least one main filament (210c), inside of which at least one said secondary filament (210f) is also inserted, arranged in a weft along a predetermined trajectory, wherein the main filament (210c) and the secondary filament (210f) are mutually and tightly attached at the perimeter area (211), and wherein the fabric (21) includes at least one spool (212) defining a long element trapped inside part of the fabric (21) along the perimeter area (211) wherein the weaving of the main filament (210c) creates a tubular shape suitable for housing the spool (212), and the secondary filament (210f) at least partially wraps the spool (212) in such a way as to mutually block the main filament (210c) and the secondary filament (21 0f) at the spool (212).