Flexible Carrier Frame Assembly for Adaptive Chair Support

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional body support assemblies, such as office chairs, face limitations in flexibility and comfort due to rigid frames and suspension materials that fail to provide adequate micro and macro compliance, leading to unforgiving pressure points and reduced user experience.

Innovation Solution

The design incorporates a flexible carrier frame with elastic textile material and a cushion, featuring flex regions and a recline limiter, which allows for adaptive support and reduced part complexity, enhancing comfort and fit while maintaining structural integrity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If a rigid frame is used to maintain tension in suspension material, then structural stability is improved, but flexibility and comfort are worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidflexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the rigid frame with a flexible membrane structure that maintains suspension material tension through its elastic properties. The membrane is stretched taut between support surfaces, using film tension rather than rigid structural elements to maintain the necessary tension for suspension material performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the mechanical properties of the support structure from rigid to flexible by selecting materials and configurations that exhibit elastic deformation. The membrane and support surfaces are designed with specific elastic moduli and thicknesses to provide the required tension while allowing controlled flexibility for comfort.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If mechanical systems like lumbar supports and tilt mechanisms are added to provide adjustment capabilities, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost are worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadjustment capabilitiesVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs elastic materials that automatically adapt to user body contours and loading conditions without requiring mechanical adjustment mechanisms. The elastic membrane and support surfaces self-regulate tension and provide macro-compliance in response to user weight and posture, eliminating the need for manual lumbar supports or tilt mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces mechanical adjustment systems with material-based elastic compliance. Instead of using mechanical lumbar supports, tilt mechanisms, and rigid links, the invention uses the inherent elastic properties of materials to provide adaptive support and comfort adjustments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Strength

If rigid links and mechanical connections are used in tilt mechanisms, then structural strength is improved, but flexibility and user comfort are worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidflexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces rigid links and mechanical connections with flexible membrane structures that maintain necessary structural integrity through elastic tension. The membrane and support surfaces provide the required strength to support user weight while simultaneously delivering flexibility and comfort through material compliance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses composite construction combining elastic membrane materials with supportive framework elements to achieve both strength and flexibility. The support surfaces and membrane are designed as integrated composite structures that distribute loads effectively while maintaining macro-compliance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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 improved comfort, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness by reducing the number of parts and weight, ensuring a durable and aesthetically pleasing body support assembly that adapts to users' needs without complex mechanical adjustments.

Implementation Method 1

An elastic textile material coupled to the carrier frame

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

body support members configured with foam cushions

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectViscoelasticity: Viscoelasticity

Data Source

PatentUS11357329B2Body support assembly and methods for the use and assembly thereof

Publication Date: 2022.06.14 STEELCASE INC

AI summary

A body support assembly includes a seat assembly and backrest assembly supported by a tilt control assembly. Methods of using and assembling the body support assembly are provided.