Functional chair

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Solution Overview

Problem

Functional chairs experience unpleasant translatory relative movements between the seat-surface section and the backrest section, which can lead to discomfort and instability during variable seating positions.

Innovation Solution

A supporting mechanism with a cantilever part connected to the foot part, a supporting part attached to the cantilever part, and a sliding mounting that maintains a constant relative position and inclination between the seat-surface section and the backrest section, using rigid or elastically deformable materials to absorb movements and maintain stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If the seat-surface section and backrest section are made rigid, then the relative position and inclination between them remains constant, but the chair cannot absorb movements and minor adjustments

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverelative position and inclination between seat-surface section and backrest sectionVSAvoidability to absorb movements and adjustments

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies this principle by using an elastically deformable connection element (spring element) that connects the seat-surface section and backrest section. This flexible element allows minor angular changes and absorbs translatory movements while maintaining overall structural stability, resolving the contradiction between rigidity and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical state of the connection between seat sections from rigid to elastically deformable. The spring element allows the system to dynamically adjust its stiffness characteristics, providing rigidity when needed for stability while allowing flexibility for absorbing movements and adjustments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If the seat sections are made from elastically deformable material, then movements can be absorbed, but the relative position and inclination between sections becomes unstable

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to absorb movementsVSAvoidrelative position and inclination between seat-surface section and backrest section

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The spring element serves as a controlled flexible connection that absorbs translatory movements through elastic deformation while maintaining a stable angular relationship between seat sections. The elasticity is designed to accommodate only minor adjustments while preventing excessive movement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The spring element acts as a pre-configured cushioning mechanism that absorbs unwanted translatory movements before they can cause instability. By providing elastic resistance in advance, the system maintains stable relative positioning while still allowing controlled adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Stability of the object's composition

If a complex supporting mechanism is used to eliminate translatory movements, then seating stability improves, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseating stabilityVSAvoidsupporting mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a simple spring element instead of a complex mechanical linkage system to eliminate translatory movements. This elastic element provides the necessary stability through its inherent elastic properties, avoiding the need for complex guides, rails, or multi-component mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces a potentially complex mechanical system for preventing translatory movements with a simple elastic spring element. The spring's elastic deformation naturally resists unwanted movements without requiring complex mechanical constraints, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining seating stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 mechanism allows for reliable and comfortable seating adjustments without translatory movements, providing strong load-bearing support, preventing tipping, and allowing for easy attachment and detachment of components, while maintaining user comfort by minimizing pressure on the thigh and ischial tuberosities.

Implementation Method 1

If they are manufactured from elastically deformable material, minor changes in the angle included between the seat-surface section and the backrest section can take place against spring force

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

the seat is satisfactorily supported by the supporting part, even against tipping movements about an axis extending in the direction of the depth

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical force: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentUS9833074B2Functional chair

Publication Date: 2017.12.05 WALTER KNOLL

AI summary

A support mechanism for mounting a seat part to a foot part of a functional chair having a slide bearing which cooperates with a front section of the seat part, and a pivotable support part which is supported by a cantilever part and which is connected to a region of the seat part that is adjacent to the rear region of a seat surface section of the seat part.