Pivoting Seating Test Device for Accurate Durability Evaluation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing test devices for seating structures, such as office chairs, are not suitable for flexible backrests and may not accurately reflect the durability of seating structures with suspended or polymeric materials, as they tend to rip or tear under cyclic loads, and can mask actual failures due to non-anthropometric load application and improper positioning.
Innovation Solution
A test device kit with anthropometrically designed seat and back engaging members of varying flexibility and surface contours, pivotally connected to distribute loads similarly to human loading, ensuring accurate and reliable durability testing across different seating structures and sizes, with modular components for easy assembly and reconfiguration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional load applying device with a bridging member is used, then the device can be applied to various seating structures, but it increases point loads on the backrest and may rip or tear flexible suspension materials
Solution Approach 1:
The backrest is divided into multiple engagement points (headrest, upper backrest, lower backrest) that are engaged separately by the load applying device. This segmentation distributes the applied load across multiple locations rather than concentrating it at a single point, preventing damage to flexible suspension materials while maintaining versatility across different seating structures
Solution Approach 2:
The device employs different engagement mechanisms tailored to specific regions of the backrest. The headrest engagement member, upper backrest engagement member, and lower backrest engagement member each have localized configurations suited to their respective positions, allowing optimal load distribution across different structural zones without causing damage
2Device complexity
If a conventional load applying device is used, then the device structure is simple, but it is difficult to accurately position the load applying device at the designated height
Solution Approach 1:
A positioning member acts as an intermediary between the load applying device and the seat, providing a mechanical reference that ensures accurate positioning at the designated height. This intermediary component translates simple device structure into precise positioning capability through its geometric relationship with the seat and load applying device
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning member is pre-configured with specific geometric dimensions and orientations that automatically establish the correct height and angle of the load applying device when engaged with the seat. This preliminary configuration eliminates the need for complex adjustment mechanisms while ensuring accurate positioning
3Adaptability or versatility
If a one size fits all load applying device is used, then the device can accommodate different seating structures, but it may not optimally interface with differently configured seating structures
Solution Approach 1:
The load applying device incorporates multiple engagement members (headrest, upper backrest, lower backrest) that can collectively engage with various seating structure configurations. This multi-functional design allows a single device to adapt to different chair types while maintaining reliable and accurate durability testing through proper load distribution
Solution Approach 2:
The device allows for dynamic configuration where the engagement members can be selectively activated or deactivated based on the specific seating structure being tested. This dynamic adaptability ensures optimal interface with differently configured seating structures while maintaining testing accuracy across all applications
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 test device provides accurate and reliable durability evaluation of seating structures by simulating human-like load distribution, accommodating various backrest materials and sizes, and eliminating operator error in load positioning, while being inexpensive and easily assembled.
Implementation Method 1
The back engaging member is pivotally attached to the seat engaging member about a pivot axis
Data Source
AI summary
A method of testing a seating structure includes disposing a seat engaging member on a seat and engaging a backrest material with an anthropometric surface of a back engaging member. The back engaging member is pivotally attached to the seat engaging member. A test device kit includes a plurality of seat engaging members having different flexibilities and a plurality of back engaging members having different anthropometric rear surfaces. Each of the back engaging members is pivotally connectable with each of the plurality of seat engaging members. A method of assembling a test device includes selecting a seat engaging member from a plurality of seat engaging members having different flexibilities and selecting a back engaging member having an anthropometric rear surface from a plurality of back engaging members each having a different anthropometric rear surface, and pivotally connecting the seat engaging member with the back engaging member.