Padding device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing support devices lack simplicity and robustness in design, and fail to provide a versatile massage effect that can be adapted to different user preferences and body weights.
Innovation Solution
A support device with a loading/unloading mechanism featuring a carriage driven by an electric motor, which moves translationally along the device to apply pressure to resilient slats via a pressure element, allowing for adjustable intensity and distribution of pressure to achieve a massage effect, and includes multiple pressure elements and adjustable drives for enhanced user comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a loading/unloading device is added to provide massage effect, then user comfort and versatility are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The loading/unloading device is segmented into modular components: a carriage that travels along the base body, multiple pressure elements arranged in rows and columns, and individual adjustment mechanisms. This segmentation allows the complex massage function to be achieved through simple, interchangeable parts rather than a monolithic complex structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The carriage serves multiple functions: it supports multiple pressure elements, travels along the base body to reach different areas, and can be adjusted in position. The pressure elements themselves can be adjusted independently in longitudinal and transverse directions, allowing a single device to provide various massage patterns and intensities for different user needs.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple pressure elements with adjustment drives are provided, then massage adaptability to different users is improved, but manufacturing cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment mechanism is segmented into two independent directions: longitudinal adjustment (positioning the pressure element along the base body) and transverse adjustment (positioning the pressure element perpendicular to the base body). Each pressure element has its own simple adjustment drive, allowing independent control without requiring complex multi-axis mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure elements are designed to be dynamically adjustable during operation. The adjustment drives allow the pressure elements to move to different positions both longitudinally and transversely, enabling the device to adapt to different user body types, weights, and massage preferences while maintaining a relatively simple static structure.
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 solution provides a robust and simple construction that allows for a wide range of massage effects, adaptable to user preferences, and ensures comfort by adjusting pressure based on user weight, enhancing the overall user experience.
Implementation Method 1
The loading/unloading device has at least one first slide (28) connected to an electric motor (34) for drive, which is translationally movable in the longitudinal direction of the support device (2)
Implementation Method 2
the spring elements are resilient slats (22, 24) connected to each other by at least one flexible band (40, 42)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A support device 2 for supporting the upholstery of a seat and/or reclining piece of furniture comprises a base body 20 having spring elements 22, 24 for providing planar support of the upholstery and at least one loading/relieving device 26, 26' for applying or relieving pressure on the upholstery, wherein the loading/relieving device 26, 26' acts on at least one spring element 22, 24 to achieve this pressure or relief. The loading/relieving device 26, 26' has at least one electric motor 34 which is operatively connected to at least one pressure element 36, by means of which a pressure force can be exerted or is exerted on at least one spring element 22, 24 to achieve this pressure or relief.The loading/unloading device 26, 26' has at least one first slide 28 which is in drive connection with an electric motor 34 and which is translationally movable in the longitudinal direction of the support device 2, wherein the first slide 28 carries at least one arm 33, the free end of which carries the pressure element 36 for loading/unloading the spring elements 22, 24.