Multi-Layer Seating Support for Localized Load Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing seating structures often fail to adequately support body irregularities, leading to discomfort due to their inability to conform to a wide range of body shapes and sizes, resulting in reduced productivity and potential health issues like chronic back pain.
Innovation Solution
A multi-layered support structure comprising a global layer with multiple 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 global 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 various body shapes without requiring a completely complex redesign, as each element operates autonomously within the larger system.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the seating structure can have spring elements with different properties (e.g., varying stiffness, size, or configuration) to provide localized adaptation to specific body areas. This allows the structure to optimize comfort for different parts of the body while maintaining overall structural integrity.
2Ease of manufacture
If a seating structure uses a uniform design, then manufacturing is simplified, but it cannot provide differentiated support for different body regions
Solution Approach 1:
The seating structure consists of multiple identical or similar spring element units that can be manufactured using the same process and then arranged in different patterns or configurations. This allows for standardized manufacturing while enabling customized support patterns through the arrangement and variation of individual elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring elements are designed to be universal components that can serve multiple functions and be positioned in various locations within the seating structure. Each element can adapt to different body regions regardless of its position, providing differentiated support through arrangement rather than through completely different component designs.
3Strength
If a seating structure uses interconnected elements, then global support is improved, but local deflection independence is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The spring elements are arranged in an array with controlled connections between them, where each element maintains a degree of independence while contributing to overall structural support. The segmentation allows local deflection independence while the collective arrangement provides global support strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring elements can be designed with flexible connections or mounting mechanisms that allow individual deflection while maintaining attachment to the support structure. This flexibility enables local adaptation while preserving global structural integrity through the network of connected elements.
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 maximized support and comfort by allowing specific regions to adapt to load irregularities independently, reducing discomfort and promoting better posture and health outcomes.
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 based upon a variety of factors, including the spring type, relative position of the spring element within the multi-layered support structure, spring material, spring dimensions, connection type to other elements of the multi-layered support structure, and other factors.
Data Source
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.