Load bearing support surface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing load bearing surfaces, such as molded plastic chairs, often compromise on durability and comfort, and lack the ability to be easily tuned for specific applications, failing to provide an optimal balance between cost and performance.
Innovation Solution
A load bearing surface assembly featuring an oriented, molded component with attachment loops that can be separately manufactured or integral, allowing for secure mounting to a support frame, enabling adjustable stiffness and comfort through orienting processes like stretching, and various attachment methods like stitching or molding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If molded plastic surfaces are used, then cost is reduced, but durability and comfort deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a molded component made from elastomeric material with attachment loops made from durable materials such as canvas, polyester, or TPU. This composite construction integrates the cost-effective molded structure with durable attachment elements, resolving the contradiction between low cost and durability/comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastomeric material's physical parameters (stiffness, resiliency, force/deflection profile) are adjusted during manufacturing and orienting processes to optimize both comfort and durability performance while maintaining cost-effectiveness of the molded component.
2Reliability
If conventional cushion seats are used, then comfort is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive conventional cushion seats with a cost-effective molded elastomeric component that achieves comparable comfort through optimized material properties and orienting processes, eliminating the need for expensive traditional cushioning while maintaining comfort performance.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the load bearing surface is made tunable, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves tunability by adjusting manufacturing and orienting process parameters (temperature, time, force, orientation angles) rather than adding complex adjustable mechanisms. The elastomeric material's properties are modified during production to match specific application requirements, providing adaptability without increasing device complexity.
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 solution provides a cost-effective, durable, and customizable load bearing surface that can be optimized for different applications by controlling deformation during manufacturing, reducing fatigue and enhancing support characteristics.
Implementation Method 1
the load characteristics such as stiffness, resiliency, force/deflection profile, desired in a particular surface will vary from application to application
Data Source
AI summary
A load bearing surface assembly includes a molded component of oriented elastomeric material and an attachment loop connected to the molded component, the attachment loop configured to receive a frame member supporting the assembly.