Body Support Assembly With Floating Headrest and Tool-Free Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing body support assemblies, such as office chairs, often have auxiliary support structures that limit the movement of suspension materials, and their assembly requires tools or fasteners, which can be cumbersome and aesthetically unappealing.
Innovation Solution
A body support assembly with a frame and suspension material that is deflectable in the fore/aft direction, featuring a support mount coupled to the suspension material, allowing a body support member to be vertically movable relative to the support mount between uppermost and lowermost positions, and assembled without tools through a simple manipulation of the body support member relative to the backrest.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If auxiliary body support structures are coupled to the frame, then additional support is provided, but the movement of the suspension material is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a support mount as an intermediary component that couples the body support member to the suspension material rather than directly to the frame. This mediator allows the body support member to be supported while preserving the suspension material's ability to deflect and conform to the user's body, thus resolving the contradiction between providing support and maintaining suspension movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The auxiliary support structure is segmented into separate components: the support mount attached to the suspension material, and the body support member (such as headrest or lumbar support) that can move independently. This segmentation allows each component to perform its function without restricting the other, enabling the suspension material to move while still providing supported positioning.
2Reliability
If auxiliary body support structures are coupled to the frame, then additional support is provided, but the assembly requires tools or fasteners which is cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The support mount is designed to attach to the suspension material through self-service mechanisms such as friction fit, snap-fit, or interference fit, eliminating the need for external tools or fasteners. The assembly process relies on the inherent properties of the components and suspension material to secure the support structure without requiring additional assembly aids.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the body support member is coupled to the frame through the suspension material, then the suspension material's movement is preserved, but the body support member may be visible from the rear side which is aesthetically unappealing
Solution Approach 1:
The support mount is strategically positioned and designed to be hidden from the rear view, with only the body support member visible from the front. The coupling mechanism and mounting structure are placed in locations that are functionally effective but aesthetically concealed, creating local quality differences where the visible portions meet aesthetic requirements while hidden portions provide structural functionality.
4Shape
If the body support member covers the support mount, then a floating appearance is achieved, but the range of motion must be carefully controlled
Solution Approach 1:
The support mount and body support member are designed with dynamic characteristics that allow controlled movement within a specific range. The system transitions from static to dynamic, where the body support member can move vertically to accommodate different user positions while maintaining the floating appearance, and the support mount flexes with the suspension material within acceptable limits.
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 allows for a floating appearance of the body support member, such as a headrest, without limiting the suspension material's movement, and enables tool-free assembly, providing improved flexibility and aesthetics by ensuring the body support member covers the support mount throughout its range of motion.
Implementation Method 1
at least a portion of the suspension material is deflectable in a fore/aft direction relative to the frame
Data Source
AI summary
A body support assembly includes a moveable body support member coupled to a deflectable suspension material. Methods of using and assembling the body support assembly are provided.