Plastic Suspension Element With Offset V-Arms for Balanced Compression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current elastic suspension members made of plastic materials for mattresses or seats often lack optimal suspension characteristics or have complex structures requiring expensive and inefficient tools for production.
Innovation Solution
A simple-to-produce elastic suspension member with a base and head connected by an elastic suspension element comprising two or more rectilinear arms, connected in pairs by articulations to form suspension V structures, which are offset by 180° and arranged in parallel planes, allowing for a long suspension stroke and improved balance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If complex structures with multiple parts (base, suspension element, plate) are used, then suspension characteristics can be optimized, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the base, suspension element, and plate into a single integrated plastic component manufactured by injection molding. This eliminates the need for separate parts and complex assembly operations while maintaining the functional requirements for suspension performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The single plastic component performs multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support as a base, acts as the suspension element through its elastic deformation, and serves as the mounting plate for fasteners. This multi-functionality reduces the overall part count and simplifies manufacturing.
2Productivity
If one-piece molding is used, then production efficiency improves, but tooling complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs injection molding parameters and material selection (flexible plastic with specific durometer) to achieve the desired elastic suspension characteristics directly in the molded part. This approach uses standard molding techniques with appropriate parameter optimization rather than requiring complex specialized tooling.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate parts are assembled, then manufacturing flexibility is maintained, but assembly complexity and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The base, suspension element, and plate are combined into a single molded part, eliminating assembly operations entirely. The fasteners remain as separate components for attachment to furniture, but the core suspension assembly requires no assembly steps.
4Ease of manufacture
If simple structures are used, then manufacturing is simplified, but suspension stroke is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates curved surfaces and rounded features in the molded suspension element design, which allow for greater elastic deformation and longer suspension stroke while maintaining a relatively simple single-piece structure that is easy to manufacture.
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 stable and balanced suspension assembly with improved compressibility characteristics, achieved through the use of thermoplastic molding techniques, reducing production complexity and costs while maintaining optimal performance.
Implementation Method 1
a base (2) and a head (3) which are connected together by an elastic suspension element (4)... this elastic suspension element (4) consisting of at least two identical elastic structures (5, 6)
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~7
Figure 8~10
AI summary
The element has a base (2) and a head (3) between which an elastic suspension unit (4) is placed. The unit (4) is constituted by suspension structures (5, 6) each formed of rectilinear arms (7) juxtaposed and connected in pairs by an connection hinge (9) for forming active suspensions along suspension planes that are perpendicular to the hinge. The structures extend along the planes in a non merged manner and are spaced from each other by an axis parallel to the planes. The structures are placed in opposition to each other and shifted by 180 degrees.