Flexible Finger Element Backrest for Load-Distributing Seating Comfort
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing chair designs fail to provide adequate comfort and support for varying individuals due to lack of self-adjustment and flexibility, particularly in collaborative and short-term sitting applications, and often restrict user posture.
Innovation Solution
A seating unit back comprising flexible finger elements and a retainer that distributes load among adjacent elements, allowing the back to conform to the user's shape and adapt to different postures, with the retainer connecting at least two flexible finger elements proximate their distal ends.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple adjustment features are incorporated into chairs to minimize stress on users, then comfort and support are improved, but device complexity increases and ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The backrest is divided into multiple independent adjustable segments (lumbar support, upper backrest, lower backrest) that can be individually positioned. This segmentation allows each zone to be optimized independently for different users and postures, providing comprehensive adaptability without requiring a single complex adjustment mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The chair incorporates dynamic adjustment capabilities where the backrest segments can be positioned at multiple angles and heights to accommodate varying user needs. The adjustable lumbar support can be independently positioned to provide dynamic adaptation to different body types and sitting postures, enhancing comfort without adding excessive complexity
2Adaptability or versatility
If adjustment features are added to optimize comfort for individual users, then ergonomic support is improved, but ease of operation worsens due to multiple adjustments required
Solution Approach 1:
The backrest is divided into multiple independent adjustable segments (lumbar support, upper backrest, lower backrest) that can be individually positioned. This segmentation allows each zone to be optimized independently for different users and postures, providing comprehensive adaptability without requiring a single complex adjustment mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The chair is designed to be quickly adjusted by users themselves without requiring assistance or complex procedures. Each adjustment mechanism is positioned and designed for easy user access and operation, enabling users to independently configure the chair to their preferences in minimal time
3Ease of operation
If chairs are designed for short-term use in collaborative spaces, then ease of operation should be simple, but adaptability to different users deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The chair is designed with universal adjustment capabilities that can accommodate a wide range of users and postures through its multiple adjustable segments. The lumbar support, backrest angles, and seat positioning can be independently configured to serve different body types and sitting preferences, making the chair suitable for collaborative spaces with diverse users
Solution Approach 2:
The backrest is divided into multiple independent adjustable segments (lumbar support, upper backrest, lower backrest) that can be individually positioned. This segmentation allows each zone to be optimized independently for different users and postures, providing comprehensive adaptability without requiring a single complex adjustment mechanism
4Stability of the object's composition
If fixed orientation seating is used to maintain furniture appearance, then aesthetic consistency is improved, but adaptability to different postures and orientations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The chair incorporates dynamic adjustment capabilities where the backrest segments can be positioned at multiple angles and heights to accommodate varying user needs. The adjustable lumbar support can be independently positioned to provide dynamic adaptation to different body types and sitting postures, enhancing comfort without adding excessive complexity
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 solution provides enhanced comfort and support by allowing the back to adapt to diverse user sizes and postures, distributing load effectively and allowing for flexible seating arrangements, thus improving ergonomic usability in shared spaces.
Implementation Method 1
When a load is applied to a finger element, the retainer distributes at least a portion of the load to at least one adjacent flexible finger element
Data Source
AI summary
According to the present invention a back for a seating unit is provided. The back comprises a plurality of flexible finger elements. Each of the plurality of flexible finger elements has a distal end. The back further comprises a retainer connecting at least two of the flexible finger elements proximate their distal ends. When a load is applied to a flexible finger element, the retainer distributes at least a portion of the load to at least one adjacent flexible finger element.