Multi-Layer Seating Support Structure for Localized Comfort
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing seating structures often fail to adequately support body irregularities, leading to discomfort due to inadequate conformity to individual body shapes and sizes, despite advancements in load support technology.
Innovation Solution
A multi-layered support structure comprising a global layer with support rails, a local layer with independent spring elements, and a top mat layer with pixels and bull nose extension fingers, allowing for controlled deflection and adaptation to load irregularities while maintaining overall support and comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a seating structure is designed to conform to general body shapes, then general comfort is improved, but the structure cannot adapt to local body irregularities such as wallets or protruding bones
Solution Approach 1:
The seating structure is divided into multiple independent spring elements arranged in an array, where each spring element can deflect independently to accommodate local body irregularities. This segmentation allows the structure to adapt to wallets, protruding bones, and other localized features without requiring a completely complex redesign.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the seating structure can have springs with different characteristics (stiffness, deflection range) tailored to specific body zones. This allows local optimization where certain areas provide softer support for bony prominences while other areas maintain firmer support for muscle groups.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a seating structure uses a single layer design, then the structure is simpler, but it cannot provide both global support and local adaptation simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions from a single-layer design to a multi-layered structure with distinct functional layers. The global support layer provides overall load bearing, while the local adaptation layer with independent spring elements handles localized conformity. This dimensional addition of layers enables simultaneous achievement of both global support and local adaptation without excessive complexity.
3Ease of operation
If spring elements are made to deflect independently, then local comfort is improved, but the overall load support may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges a global support layer with local adaptation layers into a unified structure. The global layer maintains overall load bearing capacity while the local spring elements provide independent deflection for comfort. This combination ensures that local comfort improvements do not compromise overall structural strength.
Solution Approach 2:
By carefully selecting spring parameters (stiffness, pre-load, deflection limits) and material properties, the system achieves optimal balance between local comfort and global support. The spring elements are designed with specific force-deflection characteristics that allow generous local deflection while maintaining sufficient overall load support capacity.
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 multi-layered structure provides enhanced support and comfort by allowing independent deflection of each layer, effectively addressing body irregularities without compromising overall load support, thereby reducing discomfort and improving seating experience.
Implementation Method 1
The local layer includes multiple spring elements supported by the multiple support rails. The multiple spring elements each include a top and a deflection member. Each of the multiple spring elements may independently deflect under a load
Implementation Method 2
The global layer provides controlled deflection of the seating structure upon application of a load
Data Source
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AI summary
A multi-layered support structure provides ergonomic, adaptable seating support. The multi-layered support structure includes multiple cooperative layers to maximize global comfort and support while enhancing adaptation to localized variations in a load, such as in the load applied when a person sits in a chair. The cooperative layers each include elements such as pixels, springs, support rails, and other elements to provide this adaptable comfort and support. The multi-layered support structure also uses aligned material to provide a flexible yet durable support structure. Accordingly, the multi-layered support structure provides maximum comfort for a wide range of body shapes and sizes.