Linkage Seat Structure for Stowable Ergonomic Seating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing seat designs do not effectively address the integration of a seat into an environment when unoccupied, nor do they enhance comfort during sitting and rising, nor provide versatile functionality for different environments.
Innovation Solution
A seat design where the seat squab moves downward relative to the supporting structure, causing the backrest to automatically move upward, maintaining the angular orientation, allowing for easy stowage, intuitive use, and adaptable functionality between a chair and stool, with features like armrests, linkage mechanisms, and a gas spring for user assistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the seat squab is positioned at a higher rest position to support the user during sitting, then the user comfort during sitting is improved, but the seat height is increased making it difficult to stow under tables and desks
Solution Approach 1:
The seat squab is designed to be movable rather than fixed, transitioning between a higher rest position (providing support during sitting) and a lower stowed position (enabling storage under tables). The linkage mechanism dynamically adjusts the backrest position in response to squab movement, allowing the seat to adapt between chair and stool configurations.
2Ease of operation
If the seat squab moves downward to provide support during sitting, then user comfort is improved, but the backrest position becomes unstable
Solution Approach 1:
The linkage mechanism acts as a feedback system that automatically responds to the downward movement of the seat squab. When the squab moves down under user weight, the linkage triggers corresponding upward movement of the backrest, maintaining proper ergonomic alignment and stability throughout the transition to the sitting position.
3Ease of operation
If the seat provides automatic backrest adjustment during sitting, then user comfort is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The seat system performs self-adjustment through the linkage mechanism that automatically coordinates backrest movement with seat squab displacement. The user simply needs to sit down, and the mechanism autonomously manages the backrest positioning without requiring manual intervention, controls, or external power sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The linkage mechanism serves as an intermediary that translates the simple action of sitting (weight application on the squab) into coordinated movements of both the seat squab and backrest. This mechanical mediator eliminates the need for complex electronic controls while achieving automatic adjustment.
4Ease of operation
If the seat height is increased by 15% to reduce the distance for users to get on, then accessibility for users with restricted movement is improved, but the seat requires more space and is harder to stow
Solution Approach 1:
The seat utilizes dynamic height adjustment through the movable squab and linkage mechanism. At rest, the seat maintains a higher position (15% above standard) to facilitate easier access for users with mobility restrictions. When sitting occurs, the squab descends to the final seated position while the backrest adjusts accordingly, providing both accessibility and proper seating ergonomics.
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 seat provides improved stowability, reduced clutter, enhanced accessibility, and increased comfort for users with restricted movement, offering a versatile seating solution that transitions seamlessly between chair and stool without external power, ensuring intuitive use and ergonomic adjustments.
Implementation Method 1
The seat squab may be biased upwardly, for example, by means of a gas spring.
Data Source
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AI summary
A seat comprises a seat squab (12), a supporting structure (15) and a backrest (14), in use, the seat squab (12) being movable in a substantially downward direction relative to the supporting structure when weight is applied to the seat squab (12), and the substantially downward movement of the seat squab (12) causing automatic movement of the backrest (14) in a substantially upward direction, the angular orientation of an upper surface of the seat squab (12) relative to the supporting structure remaining unchanged during the substantially downward movement of the seat squab (12).