Office Chair Seat-Back Linkage for Adaptive Lateral Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing office chairs, particularly conference and visitor chairs, lack simplified and cost-effective mechanisms to enhance sitting comfort, which is typically reserved for high-quality office swivel chairs with complex synchronous mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A chair design featuring independently swiveling side supports articulated to both the seat and base frame, allowing the backrest to pivot and displace the seat, with adjustable mounting points and elastic connections, enabling adaptive seating positions and improved comfort through oblique guide surfaces and spring elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If complex synchronous mechanisms are used to couple backrest and seat movement, then sitting comfort is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The synchronous mechanism is segmented into two independent side supports, each with its own mounting end articulated to the seat and base frame. This segmentation allows each side to function independently while collectively achieving the synchronous movement effect, reducing overall mechanism complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The side supports serve multiple functions: they provide structural support, enable synchronous seat-backrest movement, and allow independent swiveling to adapt to lateral loads. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate mechanisms for each function, simplifying the overall design.
2Ease of operation
If complex synchronous mechanisms are used to couple backrest and seat movement, then sitting comfort is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
Dividing the mechanism into independent side supports with standardized components enables modular manufacturing and assembly, reducing production complexity and cost while maintaining the comfort benefits of synchronous movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The design uses simple, easily manufactured components such as ball joints, sliding bearings, and elastic rods that can be produced cost-effectively, replacing expensive complex mechanisms while achieving the same functional outcome.
3Stability of the object's composition
If fixed mounting points are used for side supports, then structural stability is improved, but adaptability to different loads and users decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The side supports incorporate dynamic elements including elastic connections (springs or rubber elements) and adjustable mounting points that allow the structure to adapt to varying loads and user preferences while maintaining stability through controlled flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting points and elastic elements allow parameters such as mounting position, elastic constant, and swivel angle to be adjusted, enabling the same basic structure to adapt to different user weights, preferences, and load conditions.
4Adaptability or versatility
If independent swiveling side supports are used, then adaptability to lateral loads is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The swiveling capability is merged into the basic side support structure itself rather than being added as a separate mechanism. The mounting end is directly articulated to allow swiveling, combining the support and swivel functions into a single integrated component.
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 design provides enhanced sitting comfort by allowing the chair to adapt to different loads and user positions, offering adjustable seating configurations and increased dynamic support, suitable for a range of users without the need for complex mechanisms.
Implementation Method 1
each of which is connected to the rear end of the seat by means of a ball joint
Implementation Method 2
the front edge of the seat being mounted in at least one sliding bearing. Preferably, the sliding bearing comprises oblique guide surfaces and a free space defined at both sides
Implementation Method 3
spring elements are provided, which are mounted on the one hand on the seat and on the other hand on the base frame and thus pre-load the chair in its standard position and provide a base resistance of the backrest to the user during reclining
Implementation Method 4
the side supports are connected to each other via at least one rod articulated elastically on the side supports, for example, and/or designed to be elastic itself
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a chair, in particular a conference or visitor chair, which allows a coupled movement of a seat (3) and a backrest. The seat in this case is mounted in sliding bearings (4) comprising oblique guide surfaces (6) and is displaced and raised in the sliding bearings through a mounting end (5) of the backrest. According to the invention, two separate backrest bars (11) are provided, which are connected to the mounting ends (5), wherein the backrest bars can be moved independently of each other. In this way, different seat positions can be realized. Besides an upright standard position, an inclined high position, and an asymmetrical position, in which a one-sided load of a backrest bar (11) can be realized with a corresponding displacement and rotation of the seat (3).