Multi-Joint Central Unit for Office Chair Recyclability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional office chairs have complex structures that are difficult to recycle due to numerous components, some of which are not recyclable, posing challenges in sustainability and recyclability.
Innovation Solution
A central unit for a chair, comprising a multi-joint body with at least three flexural joints made from a single material, preferably plastic, that can be manufactured through injection molding, allowing easy assembly and disassembly for recycling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional metal mechanical components are used for the central unit, then structural strength and stability are ensured, but recyclability and sustainability are compromised due to complex multi-material construction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functional components (seat part, backrest part, support part, and joints) into a single integrated multi-joint body manufactured from one material. This consolidation eliminates the need for separating multiple materials during recycling, directly resolving the contradiction between maintaining structural strength and improving recyclability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs homogeneity by constructing the entire central unit from a single material type, replacing conventional multi-material assemblies. This homogeneous construction maintains sufficient structural strength while enabling straightforward recycling processes, as the entire component can be processed together without material separation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple different joints are provided for assembling the central unit, then functional requirements are met, but device complexity increases and manufacturing becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universality by designing all joints with a uniform structure and material composition. Each joint, despite connecting different components (seat to backrest, backrest to support, etc.), shares the same design characteristics, allowing a single joint type to serve multiple functions throughout the central unit, thereby reducing complexity while meeting all functional requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the central unit into distinct functional parts (seat part, backrest part, support part, front part) connected by standardized joints. This segmentation allows each joint to be independently designed with a universal configuration, simplifying manufacturing and assembly while maintaining the necessary adaptability for different functional requirements.
3Ease of operation
If flexural joints are designed as separate components, then assembly flexibility is improved, but the number of parts increases and recycling becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the flexural joints with the adjacent rigid parts through material fit, creating an integrated multi-joint body. This combination reduces the total number of separate components while maintaining assembly flexibility, as the flexural joints remain functional within the integrated structure and can be manufactured in one piece using injection molding.
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 enables a chair with fewer components that can be easily recycled, reducing waste and aligning with sustainability goals by simplifying the recycling process.
Implementation Method 1
A flexural joint is based on the principle of elasticity. The function of a joint is achieved by an area that has lower flexural rigidity than two adjacent regions.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a central unit (10, 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d) for a chair, in particular an office chair, characterized by a multi-joint body (12, 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d, 12e, 12f) which has a seat part (14) for a seat (16), a backrest part (18) for a backrest (20), a support part (22) for a support of a base frame and a front part (24, 24a) arranged between the seat part (14) and the support part (22), wherein the multi-joint body (12, 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d, 12e, 12f) has at least three joints (26, 28, 30, 32), which each connect two of the said parts in an articulated manner.