Foldable cushion functioning as chair

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional foldable cushions are heavy due to metal hinges, making them difficult to carry, and are prone to moisture-related wear, reducing their lifespan when used outdoors.

Innovation Solution

A foldable cushion design utilizing a cushion mechanism with a seat unit and back unit connected by first and second endless cords that extend through folding lines, providing a lightweight, dustproof, and easily assembled structure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If metal hinges are used to connect panels, then the cushion mechanism can be moved between expanded and folded states, but the weight of the cushion increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemovability between expanded and folded statesVSAvoidweight of cushion

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional mechanical hinge system with a cord-based connecting mechanism. The first and second endless cords connect the seat unit and back unit, eliminating metal hinges entirely. This substitution dramatically reduces weight while maintaining the ability to move between expanded and folded states through the elastic properties and flexible arrangement of the cords.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical parameters of the connecting mechanism from rigid metal components to flexible cord elements with specific elastic properties. The first endless cord has a first elastic force and the second endless cord has a second elastic force, allowing the system to maintain structural integrity while being lightweight and movable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Stability of the object's composition

If metal hinges are used for connection, then the cushion structure is stable, but the hinges are susceptible to moisture and dust, reducing lifetime

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidresistance to moisture and dust

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces metal hinges with a cord-based system that is inherently resistant to moisture and dust. The endless cords are made of materials that do not rust or deteriorate from moisture exposure, and their flexible cord construction prevents dust accumulation in joints, significantly improving reliability for outdoor use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs composite material construction for the endless cords, combining materials with appropriate elastic properties and moisture resistance. The first endless cord and second endless cord are made from materials that provide both structural stability and resistance to environmental factors like moisture and dust.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Stability of the object's composition

If traditional hinges are used, then the cushion can maintain shape, but the assembly process becomes complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshape maintenanceVSAvoidassembly complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex hinge assemblies with simple cord connections that pass through the panels. The first endless cord and second endless cord are threaded through the seat unit and back unit, creating a much simpler assembly process without requiring precise alignment or fastening operations typical of hinge installation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent divides the connecting mechanism into separate modular components - the first endless cord and the second endless cord - that can be independently assembled. This segmentation allows for easier manufacturing and assembly, as each cord can be installed separately through the folding line without complex interdependencies.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 design allows for a lightweight, easily portable, and durable foldable cushion that maintains its shape and resists dust, enhancing user convenience and longevity.

Implementation Method 1

the seat unit and the back unit are positioned at an expanded state with a predetermined angle defined therebetween by an elastic force of the first endless cord and the second endless cord

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic force: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS11324320B2Foldable cushion functioning as chair

Publication Date: 2022.05.10 CHEN TE LUNG

AI summary

A foldable cushion includes a cushion mechanism and a connecting mechanism. The cushion mechanism includes a seat unit and a back unit. The seat unit and the back unit are juxtaposed and movable relative to each other along a transverse folding line. The connecting mechanism includes a first endless cord and a second endless cord. The first endless cord and the second endless cord respectively extend through the transverse folding line and are flexibly arranged on the seat unit and the back unit. When the seat unit and the back unit are moved relative to the transverse folding line, the first endless cord and the second endless cord are stretched, so that the seat unit and the back unit are positioned at an expanded state by the elastic force of the first endless cord and the second endless cord.