Reclining Seat Linkage for Flexible Yet Durable Support

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional seating arrangements face challenges in providing a flexible and durable design that allows for comfortable movement between upright and reclined positions while maintaining structural integrity and reducing manufacturing and labor costs.

Innovation Solution

The seating arrangement incorporates a four-bar linkage mechanism using flexibly resilient and rigid link members, including shell members made from polymers and metals, which cooperate to form a deformable linkage system that allows the back and seat to move independently, with a control mechanism to synchronize movements and limit recline angles.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a conventional seating arrangement uses rigid structures to maintain structural integrity, then durability is improved, but flexibility and comfort are worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidflexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The shell member is divided into multiple segments (first shell member and second shell member) connected by link members, allowing each segment to move independently while maintaining overall structural integrity. This segmentation enables the seating arrangement to provide both rigidity and flexibility simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a dynamic four-bar linkage mechanism that allows the shell members to transition between different configurations. The link members connect the shell members in a way that enables controlled movement between upright and reclined positions, providing adaptability while maintaining structural strength.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If a complex mechanism is used to allow independent movement of back and seat, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveindependent movement capabilityVSAvoidmechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The four-bar linkage mechanism serves multiple functions: it enables independent movement of the back and seat, provides structural support, and controls the range of motion. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate mechanisms, thereby managing complexity while achieving adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses flexible shell members that can deform and move relative to each other through the linkage mechanism. The shell members themselves provide both structural integrity and movement capability, reducing the need for complex additional components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple parts are used to form the linkage system, then adaptability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemovement controlVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple functional elements into integrated components. The link members serve as both structural supports and movement control elements, while the shell members provide both seating surfaces and mechanical leverage. This merging reduces part counts and simplifies manufacturing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The shell members are made from composite materials that provide both strength and flexibility. This allows the use of fewer, larger components rather than multiple smaller parts, reducing assembly complexity and manufacturing cost while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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

This design enhances user comfort by allowing smooth transitions between positions while maintaining durability and reducing part counts and manufacturing costs, resulting in a cost-effective and long-lasting seating solution.

Implementation Method 1

a first link member, a second link member, a third link member and a fourth link member that cooperate to form a deformable, flexibly resilient four-bar linkage

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS10021984B2Seating arrangement

Publication Date: 2018.07.17 STEELCASE INC

AI summary

A seating arrangement includes an upwardly-extending back arrangement movable between an upright and reclined positions, and a seat arrangement that includes a first link member extending horizontally and having forward and rearward portions, a second link member spaced from the first link member, a third link member coupled to the first and second link members and substantially flexible along a majority of a length thereof, and a fourth link member operably coupled to the first and second link members, the fourth link member being substantially rigid along a majority of a length thereof, wherein the link members cooperate to form a linkage arrangement, and wherein the seat arrangement moves in a rearward direction as the back arrangement is moved between the upright position and the reclined position.