Membrane Backrest Frame Assembly With Detachable Self-Retaining Clamping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing frame structures for membrane backrests in office seating are massive, limiting design freedom and creating an unappealing appearance, while also lacking a secure and easily detachable connection for the covering membrane.
Innovation Solution
A frame arrangement with a clamping frame, locking means, and a clamping strip that supports a prestressing force to securely attach the covering membrane, allowing for a self-retaining and detachable connection, enabling a compact and aesthetically pleasing design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a massive frame structure is used to ensure stability and strength, then the structural reliability is improved, but the appearance becomes unappealing and design freedom is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The frame is divided into a profiled base structure and separate clamping elements (clamping strips) that can be independently positioned and adjusted. This segmentation allows the main frame to remain slim and aesthetically pleasing while the clamping elements provide the necessary structural support and functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
Clamping strips serve as intermediary elements between the slim profiled frame and the covering membrane. These intermediaries transfer and distribute forces, providing stable attachment without requiring a massive frame structure, thus maintaining both appearance and reliability.
2Strength
If the covering membrane is inseparably connected to the frame, then the connection strength is improved, but the ease of operation for replacement and cleaning is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system transitions from a static, permanent bond to a dynamic, adjustable clamping mechanism. The clamping strips can be engaged and disengaged from the profiled frame, allowing the covering membrane to be securely attached during use but easily removed when needed for cleaning or replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection is segmented into modular clamping elements that can be independently adjusted and released. This allows the covering membrane to be detached from the frame without damaging either component, maintaining both strong connection during use and ease of operation for maintenance.
3Strength
If a complex clamping mechanism is used to achieve secure attachment, then the holding force is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping mechanism is designed to be self-retaining, where the clamping strips automatically maintain their clamping force on the covering membrane without requiring additional actuators or complex control systems. The geometry of the clamping elements themselves provides the necessary holding force through friction and mechanical interlocking.
Solution Approach 2:
Complex control mechanisms are extracted from the system, leaving only the essential clamping elements that provide secure attachment through their simple geometric design. The holding force is achieved through the inherent mechanical properties of the clamping strips rather than through complex active control systems.
Data Source
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AI summary
The assembly (1) has a covering membrane (9), and a clamping frame (2) comprising a clamping groove (19), a locking unit (3) and a stopping area (4). A clamping strip (5) has a stop projection (7) and a counter locking unit (6) formed corresponding to the locking unit. A piping element (8) i.e. flat profile strip, is clamped into the groove between the frame and the strip in a mounted condition under pre-stressing of the covering membrane such that force and/or moment acts on the strip for pressing the projection against the stopping area. An independent claim is also included for an office seat furniture.