Base for an oscillating seat

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing seat support bases are structurally complex and difficult to assemble, which hinders the introduction of innovative solutions that provide user comfort through pelvic oscillation while seated.

Innovation Solution

A support base with a truncated cone-shaped support body featuring a central passage and radially protruding elements, integrated with flexible components and a coupling system that allows for easy assembly and enables seat oscillation through a piston rod mechanism, simplifying the assembly process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If existing support base solutions are used to enable seat oscillation, then pelvic oscillation comfort is achieved, but structural complexity and assembly difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepelvic oscillation comfortVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the oscillation mechanism and support functions into a single integrated support base structure. The seat is directly coupled to the support base with a tilting mechanism that combines oscillation capability and load support in one unified structure, eliminating the need for separate complex mechanical oscillation devices while maintaining pelvic oscillation comfort

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The support base is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support, enables oscillation movement, and facilitates easy assembly. The integrated design allows the same components to serve both support and oscillation functions, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining the desired comfort benefit

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If existing support base solutions are used to enable seat oscillation, then pelvic oscillation comfort is achieved, but assembly difficulty increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepelvic oscillation comfortVSAvoidassembly difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The support base is divided into distinct modular components including the support base body, seat, and coupling elements that can be manufactured separately and then easily assembled. This segmentation allows for simplified manufacturing processes and straightforward assembly while maintaining the integrated oscillation functionality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The coupling mechanism merges the attachment and oscillation functions into a single integrated connection system. The seat is coupled to the support base through a design that combines securing and oscillation enabling in one assembly process, reducing the number of assembly steps and improving ease of manufacture

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 support base allows for comfortable pelvic oscillation while seated, overcoming the complexity and assembly challenges of existing solutions by providing a simple and effective tilting mechanism that compresses flexible elements, enhancing user comfort.

Implementation Method 1

a plurality of flexible components (20), which are in themselves structurally separable, arranged in the passage (8) of the support body (2), arranged circumferentially, and preferably spaced from one another. Each flexible component (20) is engaged with the protrusion (12) of the support body (2)... suitable to meet in compression according to the oscillations of the piston rod (S)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3934482B1Base for an oscillating seat
Publication Date: 2023.04.26 DONATI SPA
  • EP3934482B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3934482B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3934482B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A support base (1, 1') for a tilting seat, such as a stool, a chair or an armchair, comprises a coupling body (50, 50'), a support body (2, 2') having a central portion (2a, 2a'), and a plurality of flexible components (20, 20') which are structurally separable and elastically yielding. The flexible components are arranged between the coupling body (50, 50') and the central portion (2a, 2a') and meet in compression according to the oscillations of the piston rod (S, S') of the seat.