Pelvic Support Seat Structure for Thin Elastomeric Mesh
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Solution Overview
Problem
The use of elastomeric mesh in seating applications faces challenges, such as the need for thicker filaments in seat bottoms compared to seat backs, leading to increased costs and difficulties in matching textures and appearances, while thick mesh can be uncomfortable and damage clothing.
Innovation Solution
A pelvic support system using a framework with resiliently deflectable fingers that provide supplemental support to the seat occupant, allowing the use of lighter gauge elastomeric materials and maintaining breathability and sleek appearance, while ensuring ergonomic positioning during movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If thicker elastomeric mesh is used in seat bottoms to provide sufficient support, then load-bearing capacity is improved, but material cost increases and matching with seat back becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The seat support function is segmented into two parts: the elastomeric mesh provides initial support and breathability, while a separate pelvic support structure provides additional support where needed. This allows the mesh to remain thin and visually matching while the rigid framework provides the necessary load-bearing capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The seat combines elastomeric mesh material with a rigid pelvic support framework made of different materials. This composite structure allows each material to perform its optimal function - the mesh for breathability and initial support, the rigid framework for structural strength - while maintaining visual consistency through the mesh's continuity.
2Strength
If thicker elastomeric mesh is used in seat bottoms, then support capability is improved, but comfort deteriorates due to increased pressure on clothing
Solution Approach 1:
The support function is segmented between the elastomeric mesh and the pelvic support framework. The mesh distributes initial pressure broadly across the seat surface, while the rigid framework provides structured support that prevents excessive localized pressure, thereby protecting clothing from damage while maintaining support capability.
3Device complexity
If elastomeric mesh retains entire seat occupant weight, then structural simplicity is improved, but material gauge must increase leading to higher cost
Solution Approach 1:
The weight-bearing function is segmented between the elastomeric mesh and the pelvic support framework. The mesh handles initial contact and distribution of weight, while the rigid framework assumes a portion of the load, particularly in the pelvic region. This allows the mesh to use lighter gauge material while maintaining overall structural adequacy.
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
Reduces material costs, enhances comfort, and facilitates matching with other seating components by providing consistent pelvic support and positioning, improving ergonomic performance without requiring the elastomeric material to bear the entire weight of the occupant.
Implementation Method 1
at least one resiliently deflectable pelvic support structure retained in spaced relation from the panel of elastomeric material to provide supplemental support to the seat occupant
Data Source
AI summary
A seat with pelvic support having a seat bottom, a panel of elastomeric material retained under an initial tension spanning a framework of the seat bottom, and a resiliently deflectable pelvic support structure retained in spaced relation from the panel of elastomeric material. The resiliently deflectable pelvic support structure provides supplemental support to the seat occupant when the panel of elastomeric material is sufficiently deflected. The resiliently deflectable pelvic support structure can be formed by a plurality of resiliently deflectable fingers. The fingers, which can have different deflection resistances to establish hyper-localized resistance control, can project outboard from a central member or inboard from the framework. A U-shaped rigidifying member can be secured to the framework, and a seat back can retain a support and positioning member in a fixed angular orientation relative to the seat bottom.