Pixelated Suspended Seating Structure for Localized Comfort Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional seating structures often fail to adequately support localized body shape irregularities, leading to discomfort despite advancements in general comfort and support for a wide range of body shapes and sizes.
Innovation Solution
A suspended pixelated seating structure comprising multiple cooperative layers, including a macro compliance layer, micro compliance layer, and load support layer, utilizing independent elements like pixels, springs, and tensile expansion members to provide customized support and comfort by conforming to non-uniform shapes and loads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional seating structures are designed to conform to general body shapes, then global comfort is improved, but localized discomfort occurs due to inability to adapt to body irregularities
Solution Approach 1:
The seating structure is divided into multiple independent load-bearing elements (pixels) arranged in an array. Each pixel acts as an independent unit that can deflect and conform to localized body irregularities without affecting adjacent pixels. This segmentation allows the seating structure to adapt to both general body shapes and localized irregularities simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
Each pixel in the array is designed with specific deflection characteristics that allow it to independently respond to localized pressure points. The pixels can be tuned with different spring rates and deflection limits to provide customized support for different body regions, enabling local adaptation to irregularities like wallet bulges or bone prominences.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the seating structure is made flexible to conform to body shapes, then comfort is improved, but structural stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The structure segments the load-bearing function into multiple independent pixels, each with its own support rail and spring elements. This allows flexibility at the pixel level while maintaining overall structural stability through the collective arrangement and interconnection of pixels via tension members and rigid connections to the support frame.
Solution Approach 2:
The seating structure combines multiple materials with different mechanical properties: flexible spring elements for deflection, rigid support rails for structural integrity, and tension members for stability. This composite approach allows simultaneous achievement of flexibility for conformity and rigidity for structural stability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If independent load-bearing elements are used to adapt to localized irregularities, then localized comfort is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each pixel in the array uses a standardized design with common components (support rail, spring elements, tension members) that perform multiple functions: providing localized support, enabling independent deflection, and contributing to overall structural stability. This universal modular design reduces complexity compared to custom-designed independent elements.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple pixels are merged into a unified array structure where individual pixels are interconnected through tension members and share common support rails. This merging allows the system to achieve complex adaptive behavior through simple, repeatable unit designs, reducing overall device complexity.
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 structure effectively maximizes global comfort and support while adapting to localized irregularities, providing controlled deflection and flexibility to accommodate various body shapes and loads without compromising adjacent regions' support.
Implementation Method 1
The multiple spring elements each include a top and a deflection member. Each of the multiple spring elements may independently deflect under a load based upon a variety of factors, including the spring type, relative position of the spring element within the suspended pixelated seating structure, spring material, spring dimensions, connection type to other elements of the suspended pixelated seating structure, and other factors.
Implementation Method 2
The macro compliance layer may also include multiple tensile expansion members which may include an aligned material to facilitate deflection of the macro compliance layer when a load is imposed.
Implementation Method 3
The macro compliance layer further includes multiple expansion control strands connected between the multiple primary support rails. As the tensile expansion members facilitate deflection of the macro compliance layer, the expansion control strands may inhibit excess deflection.
Data Source
AI summary
A suspended pixelated seating structure provides ergonomic, adaptable seating support. The suspended pixelated seating structure includes multiple cooperative layers to maximize global comfort and support while enhancing adaptation to localized variations in a load, such as in the load applied when a person sits in a chair. The cooperative layers each use independent elements such as pixels, springs, support rails, and other elements to provide this adaptable comfort and support. The suspended pixelated seating structure also uses aligned material to provide a flexible yet durable suspended seating structure. Accordingly, the suspended pixelated seating structure provides maximum comfort for a wide range of body shapes and sizes.