Office Chair Two-Part Backrest Support for Tool-Free Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Office chairs are difficult to assemble and disassemble for space-saving transportation and storage, requiring tools and complex mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A two-part backrest support with a positive plug connection and locking mechanism, allowing tool-free assembly and disassembly, where one support leg has a socket-like receptacle and the other a corresponding plug, with a rotatable locking bolt and spring element for secure locking, and optionally armrests can be connected similarly for easy handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional mechanical pivoting mechanisms are used for backrest connection, then the backrest can be inclined backwards, but the assembly requires tools and is complex
Solution Approach 1:
The backrest support is divided into two separate parts: a first support leg attached to the seat support and a second support leg attached to the backrest. These segmented parts are joined through a plug connection mechanism, eliminating the need for complex traditional mechanical pivoting mechanisms and enabling tool-free assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The plug connection mechanism incorporates a locking bolt with a spring element that automatically locks the first and second support legs together during assembly. The spring element provides automatic engagement and locking without requiring external tools or complex adjustment mechanisms, enabling self-service assembly.
2Volume of moving object
If the chair is designed for space-saving transportation and storage, then it can be disassembled, but traditional disassembly mechanisms require tools
Solution Approach 1:
The backrest support is segmented into two detachable parts that can be separated for compact storage and transportation. The first support leg remains with the seat support while the second support leg with the backrest can be detached and stored separately, reducing overall volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The plug connection mechanism with its automatic locking and unlocking features enables users to disassemble the chair for storage without requiring tools. The spring element and locking bolt design allow simple manual operation for both assembly and disassembly, facilitating user-friendly space-saving storage.
3Ease of operation
If a positive plug connection with locking mechanism is used, then tool-free assembly is enabled, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The locking bolt, spring element, and plug connection features are merged into an integrated assembly. The locking bolt is formed as a single piece with the spring element pre-loaded within the second support leg, combining multiple functions (locking, springing, guiding) into one component to reduce overall structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking bolt serves multiple functions simultaneously: it guides the plug connection during assembly, provides the locking action through pivoting, and works with the spring element to ensure proper engagement. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, simplifying the overall connection structure while maintaining tool-free assembly capability.
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
Enables simple, tool-free assembly and disassembly of office chairs, facilitating space-saving transportation and storage by automatically locking the plug connection, reducing assembly time and complexity.
Implementation Method 1
a mechanical spring element is expediently provided, in particular in the form of a helical, conical or elastic spring acting as a compression spring. This spring element is supported within the plug-in receptacle of the corresponding carrier leg on the one hand on its inner wall and on the other hand on the locking bolt.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a chair (1), in particular an office chair, comprising a backrest (3) that is coupled to a seat support (7) via a backrest support (5), and a seat pan (2). In order to be able to assemble the chair without using tools, the backrest support (5) is composed of two parts, i.e. a first support leg (8) associated with the seat support (7) and a second support leg (9) which is associated with the backrest (3), is joined to the first support leg (8), which is associated with the seat support, in a form-fitting plug-in connection (10), and is locked therein.