Magnetic Modular Armrest Design for Easy Chair Customization

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing armrests for chairs are not easily replaceable and customizable, leading to wear and tear issues and compromised user comfort due to fixed attachments and material differences.

Innovation Solution

A modular armrest design featuring a first member with recesses for magnets and a second member with magnetizable plates, allowing for secure attachment and easy replacement or customization of the armrest components, including a cushion member made of memory foam and upholstery.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If armrests are fixedly attached to the chair, then structural stability is improved, but replaceability and customization are worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidreplaceability and customization

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The armrest is divided into multiple separable components: a first member with recesses for magnets, and a second member with magnetizable plates. This segmentation allows the armrest to be easily assembled and disassembled while maintaining structural stability during use through magnetic attraction between the components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Traditional mechanical fastening methods (screws, clips, adhesives) are replaced with a magnetic attachment system. The magnets in the first member attract magnetizable plates in the second member, providing secure holding force during use while allowing easy separation when needed, thus achieving both stability and replaceability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Stability of the object's composition

If armrests are fixedly attached to the chair, then structural stability is improved, but ease of repair is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidease of repair

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The armrest is divided into multiple separable components: a first member with recesses for magnets, and a second member with magnetizable plates. This segmentation allows the armrest to be easily assembled and disassembled while maintaining structural stability during use through magnetic attraction between the components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Traditional mechanical fastening methods (screws, clips, adhesives) are replaced with a magnetic attachment system. The magnets in the first member attract magnetizable plates in the second member, providing secure holding force during use while allowing easy separation when needed, thus achieving both stability and replaceability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If different materials are used for armrest components, then functional properties are improved, but user comfort is worsened due to obvious material differences

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctional propertiesVSAvoiduser comfort

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The cushion member is designed to completely cover the interface between different materials (memory foam and hard plastic housing). This creates a homogeneous surface from the user's perspective, eliminating the perception of material differences while allowing different materials to provide their respective functional benefits.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #33Homogeneity

Solution Approach 2:

Different materials are used in different locations for optimal functionality: hard plastic for structural support and memory foam for comfort, with the cushion member strategically placed to mask the transition zone and provide a uniformly soft surface to the user.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 users to replace or customize armrests without replacing the entire chair, enhancing user comfort and experience by minimizing movement and providing a customizable, premium feel.

Implementation Method 1

one or more magnets disposed in the one or more recesses; one or more magnetizable plate members disposed in the cavity, the one or more magnetizable plate members being adjacent the one or more magnets when the first member is received in the cavity

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic attraction: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentEP4074221B1Armrest for chair

Publication Date: 2024.09.18 SECRETLAB SG PTE LTD

Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C

AI summary

An armrest for a chair includes a first member and a second member. The first member includes a body extending in a longitudinal direction from a first end to a second end. The body includes one or more recesses. The first member also includes one or more magnets disposed in the one or more recesses. The second member is releasably attached to the first member. The second member includes a cavity configured to receive the first member and one or more magnetizable plate members disposed in the cavity. The one or more magnetizable plate members are adjacent the one or more magnets when the first member is received in the cavity.