Orthogonal Suspension Chair Back Support for Modular Worksurfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional suspension seating arrangements lack orthogonal back support and transitional support, leading to discomfort and limited modular configuration options, and office chairs often create pinch points and are not suitable for use with worksurfaces or modular arrangements.
Innovation Solution
A suspension chair design featuring first and second back support portions extending in orthogonal directions with tensioned suspension elements, a pivotable side support, and a fabric-covered frame that allows for modular configurations and integration with worksurfaces, avoiding hard points and enabling comfortable seating and reconfiguration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional suspension members with linear tension vectors are used, then the structure is simple, but the chair cannot provide orthogonal back supports or transitional support
Solution Approach 1:
The back support is divided into multiple segments including a first back support portion, a second back support portion, and a third back support portion. Each portion is supported by separate suspension elements that can be independently tensioned, enabling orthogonal support surfaces while maintaining structural manageability through modular segmentation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from linear tension vectors to multi-dimensional support by creating orthogonal back support portions extending in different directions. The first back support portion extends in a first direction, the second back support portion extends in a second direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction, and the third back support portion provides transitional support, thereby adding dimensional complexity to achieve versatility.
2Ease of operation
If support members provide hard points at the side edge, then the structure is stable, but the configuration limits comfort and usability
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces rigid support members with flexible suspension members that can be tensioned between support members. These flexible elements eliminate hard points at side edges while maintaining structural stability through controlled tension, thereby improving comfort without sacrificing structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The suspension members are designed to be dynamically adjustable through tensioning, allowing the structure to adapt to user needs. The flexible nature of the suspension elements enables movement and adjustment while maintaining stability through proper tensioning, creating a dynamic balance between comfort and structural support.
3Ease of operation
If office chairs are configured with armrests, then the user receives arm support, but the armrests create pinch points and do not mate with worksurfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The invention eliminates traditional armrests with sharp edges and replaces them with curved, rounded surfaces that follow the natural contours of the user's body and workspace. The first and second back support portions extend in orthogonal directions with curved transitions, eliminating pinch points while providing continuous arm support that can mate with worksurface edges.
4Adaptability or versatility
If traditional office chairs are designed, then the chair structure is simple, but the chair cannot be used in modular furniture arrangements
Solution Approach 1:
The invention designs the chair as a universal module that can function independently or be combined with other chairs and furniture pieces. The orthogonal back support portions and flexible suspension system create a standardized interface that enables various modular configurations including L-shapes, U-shapes, and other arrangements, allowing the same basic chair structure to serve multiple functions and configurations.
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 chair provides orthogonal biasing forces for improved comfort and supports modular arrangements, allowing seamless integration with worksurfaces and various seating configurations, enhancing user experience and flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
The first and second suspension elements are tensioned so as to provide first and second normal biasing forces to the first and second body support portions
Data Source
AI summary
A suspension chair includes a first and second back support portion having first and second suspension elements extending in first and second substantially perpendicular directions respectively. The first and second suspension elements are tensioned so as to provide first and second normal biasing forces to the first and second body support portions. In one embodiment, the chair includes a fixed support defining an upper portion and a pivotable side support. A fabric layer covers at least a portion of the fixed support and a front surface of the side support. Various furniture arrangements and modular furniture kits incorporating one or more chairs, desks and/or tables are provided.