Lightweight adjustable folding ergonomic sit/stand chair with optional methods of construction and integration with ancillary accessories
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sit/stand chairs are limited to office and industrial environments due to instability on uneven surfaces, lack of foldability, impracticality for home and recreational use, and poor consideration for weather resistance, weight, portability, cost, and style.
Innovation Solution
A lightweight, three-legged ergonomic chair with a unique minimalistic design that provides stable footing on uneven surfaces, is foldable, and features adjustable components for comfort and posture, made from materials like aluminum profiles and reinforced composites, with optional accessories for increased utility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a heavy pedestal base is used to provide ballast and resistance to tipping, then stability is improved, but portability and weight are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The chair is divided into separate components including the seat assembly, base, and backrest that can be easily detached and reattached. This segmentation allows the heavy base to remain stationary for stability while the seat assembly can be removed for portability, resolving the contradiction between stability and weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The chair incorporates adjustable elements such as height-adjustable seat and backrest positions, allowing the structure to adapt to different user needs and surfaces. The dynamic adjustment capability enables the chair to maintain stability through proper weight distribution rather than relying solely on heavy ballast.
2Ease of manufacture
If a flat floor-like platform is used for standing, then ease of manufacture is improved, but stability is worsened when feet are lifted off the platform
Solution Approach 1:
The standing platform function is separated from the main seat structure. The chair provides a stable three-legged base for the seat while the user's feet rest on the ground or a separate footrest, rather than requiring a large integrated platform. This segmentation maintains stability while simplifying the overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of providing a large flat platform across the entire base, the design provides localized foot support through a compact footrest or allows direct ground contact. This localized approach provides sufficient support for the standing function without requiring a large unstable platform.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a heavy bulbous base with convex surface is used to enable multi-directional rocking motion, then adaptability is improved, but stability is worsened due to inherent instability
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a convex base surface that encourages unstable rocking motion, the design inverts the approach by providing a stable flat base surface and allowing the seat and backrest to rock or adjust independently. This inversion maintains adaptability through seat movement while preserving base stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The chair incorporates dynamic adjustment mechanisms in the seat and backrest that allow movement and adaptation without requiring the entire base to rock. The adjustable components provide versatility while the fixed stable base maintains grounding and prevents excessive instability.
4Reliability
If existing sit/stand chairs are designed for office and industrial environments, then reliability is improved, but adaptability is worsened for home and recreational use
Solution Approach 1:
The chair is designed with universal appeal and functionality that suits multiple environments including office, home, and recreational settings. Features such as the lightweight foldable construction, adjustable components, and aesthetically pleasing design allow the same chair to reliably serve different purposes and locations, resolving the contradiction between reliability and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The chair incorporates adjustable features that allow it to adapt to different users and environments dynamically. Height adjustments, angle adjustments, and foldable components enable the same reliable chair structure to be customized for various settings from formal office environments to casual home use.
5Strength
If existing sit/stand chairs are made non-foldable, then strength is improved, but portability is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The chair is segmented into modular components connected by strong joints and locking mechanisms. The foldable design maintains structural integrity through reinforced connection points and interlocking elements, allowing the chair to fold compactly for portability while retaining sufficient strength when assembled for use.
Solution Approach 2:
The chair transitions between static and dynamic states - rigid and strong when assembled for use, and compact and portable when folded. The folding mechanism incorporates locking elements that provide structural strength during use while enabling easy folding for transport, dynamically adapting to the operational requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
A novel lightweight, high stability ergonomic chair, enabling sitting, and leaning in a perched intermediary position between sitting and standing. An inclined saddle type seat is supported by three legs. A forward chair leg is located between the feet of, and beneath the center of gravity of the seated person. Two chair legs extend rearward. The chair permits rocking backwards, diagonally forward, and rocking about the forward chair leg. This “active seating” provides for easy transitions between sitting and standing, shifting of weight, and conveys an open positive body language. Multiple embodiments and architectures are disclosed multiple configurations including; rigid, folding, and for quick disassembly. The chairs may be constructed of various rigid and flexible materials, with optional features including; armrests, footrests, caster wheels, cushioning, and a standing desk type work surface. The chair eliminates the need for connection to a base platform beneath the user's feet.