Flexible Mesh Lumbar Support Assembly for Adaptive User Conformability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Chairs with fixed lumbar support curvatures fail to accommodate users of varying sizes, shapes, and weights, leading to inadequate comfort.
Innovation Solution
A lumbar support assembly featuring a flexible plate member with a mesh structure and Y-shaped voids, biased by spring members and actuators, allowing it to conform to individual user lumbar regions, and a backrest assembly with a foam layer and low-friction contact elements for enhanced comfort and durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed curvature backrest is used, then the structural simplicity is maintained, but the adaptability to different user sizes and shapes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The backrest incorporates a flexible plate member that can dynamically change its curvature to adapt to different user lumbar regions. The plate member transitions from a fixed rigid structure to a dynamic flexible structure that can be adjusted to various shapes and sizes, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical parameter of the plate member from rigid to flexible, allowing it to bend and conform to different lumbar curvatures. This parameter change enables the backrest to adapt to various user sizes and shapes without requiring multiple fixed-curvature designs, thus improving adaptability while maintaining relatively simple structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a flexible plate member with mesh structure is used, then the adaptability to different lumbar regions is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The plate member is divided into a mesh structure comprising multiple interconnected elements rather than a solid continuous structure. This segmentation allows the plate to flex more easily while maintaining strength, and the modular nature may simplify manufacturing processes such as molding or assembly, resolving the contradiction between conformability and manufacturing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The plate member employs a mesh structure with voids between interconnected elements, creating a porous configuration. This porous design provides flexibility for conforming to lumbar regions while potentially reducing material usage and simplifying manufacturing. The mesh pattern allows controlled flexibility without requiring complex solid structures.
3Ease of operation
If actuators and spring members are added for adjustment, then the comfort and customization are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring members are configured to automatically bias the plate member between lowered and raised positions without requiring continuous actuator engagement. This self-service mechanism allows the system to maintain adjustment positions passively, reducing the complexity of the actuation system while improving ease of operation and comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The combination of actuators and spring members creates a dynamic adjustment system where the plate member can be actively positioned and then passively maintained. This dynamic approach allows for easy adjustment to different user preferences while using relatively simple mechanical components, resolving the contradiction between adjustability and mechanism 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 flexible lumbar support assembly provides personalized lumbar support, improving user comfort and reducing wear on the backrest components.
Implementation Method 1
a plate member configured to flex and conform to a lumbar region of a user
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of first spring members connecting the plate member and the frame member. The first spring members may be configured to bias the plate member between a lowered position and a raised position
Implementation Method 3
a plurality of second spring members attached to the plate member. The second spring members may be configured to bias the plate member between a flexed state and a released state
Data Source
AI summary
A lumbar support assembly, a backrest assembly, and a method for manufacturing a lumbar support assembly are provided. The lumbar support assembly includes a plate member configured to flex and conform to a lumbar region of a user, the plate member includes a mesh structure including a plurality of interconnected elements. The interconnected elements define a plurality of Y-shaped voids therebetween, and each interconnected element includes an edge portion thinner than a center portion. The lumbar support assembly also includes a frame member supporting the plate member.