Layered Backrest Cover Structure for Slim Stable Seating
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a cost-effective and stable seating furniture component, particularly for office swivel chairs, that meets requirements for tensile and compressive strength, elasticity, and aesthetics, while avoiding the high costs associated with complex materials used in mesh-covered and fully upholstered backrests.
Innovation Solution
A seating furniture component with a partially elastic covering featuring a load-stable membrane attached to a frame, where the membrane is optimized for load stability and hidden from view, allowing for the use of less expensive materials for the visible cover that focuses on aesthetics and comfort properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If mesh materials with high elasticity and tensile strength are used for backrest covering, then load stability and shape maintenance are improved, but material cost and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the backrest covering into two separate functional layers: a load-bearing net frame made of high-strength material for structural support, and a separate textile cover for aesthetic and comfort functions. This segmentation allows each layer to be optimized independently, reducing overall material complexity while maintaining required strength properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the load-bearing function from the visible covering and assigns it to the hidden net frame structure. The textile cover is then taken out from the requirement to provide structural support, allowing it to be made from simpler, more aesthetically pleasing materials that focus solely on comfort and appearance.
2Reliability
If mesh materials with high elasticity are used for backrest covering, then support for lumbar region is improved, but cost increases due to complex material requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the backrest into a structural net frame component responsible for lumbar support and elasticity, and a separate textile cover component. The net frame can be designed with specific geometric patterns and material properties to provide optimal lumbar support, while the textile cover provides comfort without compromising the structural reliability.
3Length of moving object
If very thin foam layer or no foam filling is used for slim upholstery, then aesthetic appearance and modern design are improved, but tensile strength and stability deteriorate when stressed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the load-bearing function from the foam upholstery and assigns it to the net frame structure. This allows the use of very thin or no foam filling while maintaining tensile strength and stability, as the net frame independently provides the necessary structural support. The slim profile is achieved without sacrificing strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a composite structure combining the net frame (made from high-strength synthetic fibers like polyester or polyamide) with minimal or no foam filling. This composite approach allows the thin overall structure to maintain high tensile strength through the net frame's material properties and geometric configuration.
4Ease of operation
If textile material or leather is used over foam upholstery, then comfort and aesthetics are improved, but material cost and manufacturing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the upholstery into the net frame structure and a separate removable textile cover. The cover can be made from comfortable materials like textile or leather and can be easily removed for cleaning or replacement, maintaining comfort while simplifying the overall structure and reducing manufacturing complexity compared to traditional foam-upholster-textile multi-layer constructions.
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
This solution provides a cost-effective and stable seating component that meets the necessary strength and aesthetic requirements without the high costs of complex materials, ensuring both load stability and comfort through the separation of properties in the multi-layer upholstery structure.
Implementation Method 1
a person with loose upholstery sinks a little into the upholstery and the upholstery adapts to the body shape of this person
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4A
AI summary
The component (10) has a stress-stable membrane (14) clamped in or secured at a frame (11) and formed at a fastening interface e.g. piping lath, in a region of the frame in a tension-resistant manner. The stress-stable membrane is formed in an intended stress region of the component in a pressure-resistant manner. A cover (13) comprises a front visible side (17), which forms an utilizable surface of the component and a rear visible side, which form a back (18) of the component. The rear visible side completely covers the stress-stable membrane together with the frame. An independent claim is also included for a seat furniture.