Oscillation Mechanism with Adjustable Flexibility for Chair Comfort
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing oscillation mechanisms for chair and armchair seats are complex and lack flexibility in adjusting to user preferences for seat height and backrest inclination, limiting comfort and adaptability.
Innovation Solution
An oscillation mechanism with a deformable functional body and an adjustable device that configures flexibility, allowing for high, intermediate, or reduced oscillation amplitudes by engaging or disengaging a movable engagement member, simplifying the structure and integrating multiple functions into a single plastic molded piece.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional oscillation mechanisms are used, then the chair provides basic oscillation function, but the mechanism complexity increases and flexibility in adjusting oscillation parameters is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functional elements into a single integrated functional body made of elastomeric material. This functional body integrates the oscillation mechanism, damping elements, and adjustment features into one piece, reducing the number of separate components while maintaining full adjustability of oscillation parameters through embedded engagement members.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables continuous adjustment of oscillation parameters (amplitude, frequency, damping) by reconfiguring the engagement between movable engagement members and positioning elements within the functional body. The elastomeric material's inherent elasticity allows for variable stiffness and damping characteristics that can be tuned by changing the engagement configuration.
2Ease of manufacture
If multiple separate components are used in the oscillation mechanism, then adjustment flexibility is improved, but manufacturing complexity and assembly difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent consolidates multiple functional components into a single elastomeric functional body that can be manufactured as one piece using molding processes. This integrated structure maintains all necessary adjustment capabilities through internal movable engagement members that can be positioned at different locations to achieve various seat positions and oscillation characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The functional body serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support, enables oscillation, provides damping through elastomeric properties, and allows position adjustment through embedded engagement members. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate components for each function while maintaining full adjustability.
3Strength
If the functional body is made rigid for structural integrity, then strength is improved, but oscillation flexibility and comfort are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses elastomeric material with controlled durometer (hardness) to achieve optimal balance between strength and flexibility. The material's elastic properties provide inherent damping and comfort while maintaining sufficient structural integrity. The degree of flexibility can be adjusted by selecting different material formulations and hardness levels.
Solution Approach 2:
The functional body utilizes elastomeric material that combines the properties of rubber-like flexibility with structural strength. This composite material approach allows the single piece to simultaneously provide the rigidity needed for structural support and the flexibility required for comfortable oscillation and adaptation to user position.
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 user-adjustable comfort by varying oscillation range and intensity, simplifying the mechanism while maintaining structural integrity and ease of manufacturing, effectively tilting the seat and backrest.
Implementation Method 1
The functional body 3 is configured to be elastically deformable, e.g., under flexion, between the front hinge axis 20 and the rear hinge axis 40
Data Source
AI summary
An oscillation mechanism for a chair or an armchair having a seat and a backrest is provided. The oscillation mechanism has a functional body hingeable to the seat and/or the backrest and having at least one flexible functional portion that is elastically deformable, and an adjustment device having a movable engagement member and an auxiliary portion having a first end connected to the at least one flexible functional portion and a free end. The adjustment device is configurable in a high-flexibility configuration in which the auxiliary portion is configured in a cantilever fashion, and a reduced flexibility configuration in which the movable engagement member engages the free end, so that the auxiliary portion elastically bends together with the at least one flexible functional portion.