Flexible Folding Chair Backrest for Compact Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Folding chairs have backrests with reduced dimensions due to space constraints in storage configuration, limiting comfort and storage volume.
Innovation Solution
A folding chair design featuring a flexible backrest made of elastically deformable plastic, articulated to change from an arched position of use to an extended position in storage, using a tubular U-shaped frame and pivot pins to minimize volume while maintaining comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the backrest surface area is increased to improve user comfort, then comfort is improved, but the storage volume increases due to overlapping with the seat
Solution Approach 1:
The backrest is designed as a dynamic element that changes its spatial configuration between use and storage states. During folding, the backrest rotates about a transverse axis and simultaneously deforms its curvature, transitioning from an arched comfortable position to an extended compact position, allowing it to clear the seat area and minimize storage volume
Solution Approach 2:
The backrest utilizes elastic deformation to change its geometric parameters. The elastically deformable plastic material allows the backrest to alter its curvature radius and overall shape during the folding process, enabling it to achieve a compact extended configuration for storage while maintaining its comfortable arched shape during use
2Strength
If the backrest is made rigid to maintain structural strength, then strength is improved, but the ability to minimize storage volume is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The backrest material's physical state is changed from rigid to elastically deformable, allowing it to bend and extend during folding while maintaining sufficient structural strength through the elastic properties of the plastic material
Solution Approach 2:
The backrest transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic flexible element that can adapt its shape during folding operations, enabling volume reduction while maintaining strength through controlled elastic deformation
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 chair provides increased backrest surface area for user comfort in use while minimizing storage volume, allowing for efficient folding and storage without overlapping components.
Implementation Method 1
a backrest (14) made of a flexible material, preferably made of an elastically deformable plastic
Data Source
AI summary
A folding chair comprising: a seat comprising a seat panel fixed to two seat supports, a backrest comprising a flexible backrest panel and two backrest supports having respective upper portions that engage respective side edges of said flexible backrest panel, a folding frame carrying the seat and the backrest and comprising a first structure including a pair of rear legs and a second structure including a pair of front legs, wherein the first structure and the second structure are articulated together about a first axis, a pair of joints each comprising a first half-coupling fixed to a respective rear leg and a second half-coupling fixed to a respective front leg, wherein the first half-coupling, the second half-coupling, and a respective seat support are rotatable relative to each other about said first axis, so that the first structure, the second structure and the seat are rotatable about said first axis between a position of use and a storage position.