Reconfigurable apparatus having a leaf spring with a working length that shortens to increase resistance to tilting of a backrest relative to a column, and process for assembling the reconfigurable apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing furniture designs, particularly task chairs, face challenges in providing optimal adjustment to accommodate users of varying weights and body types, leading to discomfort and potential health issues due to complex and time-consuming manual adjustment mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A reconfigurable chair system featuring an adjusting assembly with a leaf spring and subassemblies that automatically adjust resistance to the backrest's angular orientation based on user weight, allowing for seamless transitions between upright and reclined positions without requiring extensive user input.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manual adjustment mechanisms are used to accommodate users of varying weights, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate due to multiple actuators and time-consuming adjustments
Solution Approach 1:
The chair automatically adjusts the resistance force of the backrest based on the user's weight without requiring manual intervention. The system uses sensors to detect user weight and automatically modifies the spring constant or damping coefficient, eliminating the need for manual actuators and complex adjustment mechanisms while maintaining adaptability to different users
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment mechanism transitions from static fixed settings to dynamic automatic adjustment. The system continuously adapts the backrest resistance based on real-time detection of user weight, allowing the chair to optimize its mechanical properties automatically rather than requiring pre-set manual adjustments
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual adjustment mechanisms are used to accommodate users of varying weights, then adaptability is improved, but ease of operation worsens due to time-consuming adjustments and user effort
Solution Approach 1:
The chair performs self-adjustment by detecting user weight through sensors and automatically modifying the backrest resistance characteristics. This eliminates the need for users to manually operate actuators or spend time adjusting the chair, making the system both adaptable and easy to operate
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs the adjustment action automatically and immediately when the user sits down, before the user would need to make any manual adjustments. The chair pre-adapts to the user's weight by detecting it and modifying the mechanical properties accordingly
3Device complexity
If a single chair design is used for all users, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability deteriorates leading to discomfort for users of different weights
Solution Approach 1:
The chair maintains a simple basic design but incorporates the ability to dynamically change key mechanical parameters such as spring constant, damping coefficient, or resistance force based on detected user weight. This allows a single design to serve multiple users with different weights by adjusting parameters rather than requiring multiple specialized designs
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 system ensures comfortable and ergonomic support for users of different weights by automatically adjusting resistance, reducing the need for manual adjustments and minimizing user effort, thereby enhancing comfort and reducing the risk of discomfort and health issues.
Implementation Method 1
a leaf spring with a working length that shortens to increase resistance to tilting of a backrest relative to a column
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is a reconfigurable apparatus that includes a backrest, a seat coupled with a column, a linkage statically attached to the backrest, a leaf spring in direct contact with the linkage, a first structure fixed to the column, and a second structure. The first and second structures each have one or more teeth. The chair is also configured such that when a weight is applied to the seat, the one or more teeth of the second structure move along the one or more teeth of the first structure to thereby shorten a working length of the leaf spring and provide an increased resistance to tilting of the backrest relative to the column. A process for assembling the reconfigurable apparatus is also described herein.