Pivoting Furniture Support Unit for Dual-Function Bolster and Headrest
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Solution Overview
Problem
The provision of multiple functional accessories for furniture can lead to clutter, storage issues, and increased costs, while existing solutions fail to offer versatile and space-efficient support options that enhance both aesthetics and functionality.
Innovation Solution
A modular support unit with an adjustable structure that can be pivotally mounted to furniture, allowing a cushion member to function as either a bolster or a headrest, providing support to the back or serving as additional seating, and can be easily stored in a compact configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple functional accessories are provided for furniture, then functionality is improved, but clutter and storage issues increase
Solution Approach 1:
The support unit is designed to perform multiple functions: it can be configured as a bolster to support the back cushion, or reconfigured as a headrest for additional seating. This multi-functionality allows a single accessory to replace what would traditionally require multiple separate items, thereby improving functionality while reducing clutter
Solution Approach 2:
The support unit incorporates a pivotally coupled support element that can be moved between different configurations. This dynamic capability enables the user to transform the support unit from one functional state (bolster) to another (headrest), providing versatility without requiring multiple static accessories
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple functional accessories are provided for furniture, then functionality is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By designing a single support unit that can function both as a bolster and as a headrest, the invention eliminates the need to purchase and maintain multiple separate accessories. This universality provides cost savings while maintaining enhanced functionality
3Adaptability or versatility
If a support structure is made adjustable for versatile positioning, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support unit is divided into distinct components: a frame and a pivotally coupled support element. This segmentation allows the support element to be independently positioned and configured, providing adaptability while keeping each individual component relatively simple in design
Solution Approach 2:
The pivotal coupling mechanism provides a simple yet effective means of achieving adjustability. The support element can be rotated between configurations without requiring complex actuators or mechanisms, thereby maintaining structural simplicity while enhancing positioning flexibility
Data Source
AI summary
A support unit for use on an article of furniture includes an adjustable support structure displacably mountable to the article of furniture and a cushion member carried by the support structure. The support structure is configured to be arranged in a first orientation relative to the article of furniture for enabling the cushion member to adopt a first position relative to the article of furniture and in a second orientation (46) relative to the article of furniture for enabling the cushion member to adopt a second position relative to the article of furniture.