Laminated Seating Support Assembly With Dynamic Surface Shaping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional seating arrangements lack the ability to dynamically adjust their mechanical properties and geometrical configuration to provide optimal support and comfort for users, as they cannot effectively respond to user input or distribute forces across their surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A seating assembly with a flexible cover member supported by a frame, an elastically resilient control arrangement positioned between the cover and a surface layer, and a coupling mechanism that allows deflection of one support surface to affect another, maintaining the frame's stability while adjusting the cover's shape and mechanical properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional seating arrangement uses a fixed frame and cover structure, then the structural stability is maintained, but the ability to dynamically adjust mechanical properties and geometrical configuration is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a control arrangement with elastically resilient controls that can dynamically adjust the geometrical configuration of the cover member. The controls are positioned between the cover member and frame arrangement, allowing them to flex and deform the cover member between different configurations while the frame remains substantially motionless, thus achieving dynamic adaptability without compromising frame stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The seating arrangement is divided into distinct functional segments: a frame arrangement providing structural stability, a cover member providing the supporting surface, and a control arrangement with elastically resilient controls providing dynamic adjustment capability. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, resolving the contradiction between stability and adaptability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a control arrangement is added to enable dynamic deformation of the cover member, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes a flexible cover member that can be deformed by the control arrangement. The cover member's inherent flexibility allows it to change geometrical configuration in response to the control arrangement without requiring complex rigid mechanical linkages, thus reducing overall device complexity while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastically resilient controls change the geometrical configuration of the cover member by altering physical parameters such as position and shape through elastic deformation. This approach allows for continuous adjustment of the supporting surface characteristics without requiring discrete mechanical components for each configuration change.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the control arrangement is positioned between the cover member and frame, then the frame stability is maintained, but the control mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control arrangement acts as an intermediary component positioned between the frame arrangement and the cover member. The elastically resilient controls in this intermediate position can deform the cover member while the frame remains substantially motionless, as the control arrangement absorbs and manages the mechanical interactions between the rigid frame and the flexible cover member.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a coupling assembly is used to link multiple seating support arrangements, then the versatility is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling assembly merges the control arrangements of multiple seating support arrangements into a coordinated system. When a user applies force to the supporting surface of one seat, the coupling assembly transmits this force to the control arrangement of another seat, causing it to deflect and change configuration. This merging allows multiple seats to be controlled through a single input point, improving versatility while managing complexity through force coupling rather than independent control systems.
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
Enables dynamic adjustment of the seating surface to enhance user comfort and support by altering the geometrical configuration and mechanical properties in response to user input, improving the overall seating experience.
Implementation Method 1
an elastically resilient control arrangement positioned between the cover and a surface layer, wherein the control arrangement is free to move with respect to the cover member and the surface layer, wherein elastic deformation of the control arrangement changes the geometrical configuration of the cover member
Data Source
AI summary
A seating support arrangement includes a seating frame arrangement, a flexible cover member supported by the frame arrangement and configured to support a seated user, a surface layer covering at least a portion of the cover member and including a first surface facing the cover member and a second surface opposite the first surface, wherein the first surface of the surface layer includes first portions attached to the cover member interspaced with second portions that are not attached to the cover member, and an elastically resilient control arrangement supported by the frame arrangement and positioned between the cover member and one of the second portions such that the control arrangement is free to move with respect to the cover member and the surface layer, wherein elastic deformation of the control arrangement changes the geometrical configuration of the cover member.