Resilient-Hinge Motion Chair for Passive Reclining and Gliding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current upholstered seating options, such as stationary chairs, gliders, and recliners, fail to provide natural adjustment to the user's position without complex motors or actuators, lacking the combination of reclining and gliding motions that could enhance comfort and health benefits.
Innovation Solution
A seat design featuring a chassis, seat frame, seat cushion, backrest, and swing arms with pivot joints and a resilient hinge, allowing for passive motion adjustments based on user input, incorporating a damper and spring for controlled motion, enabling the seat frame to swing forward and backward without motors, and the seat cushion and backrest to pivot independently for optimal positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If stationary chairs are used, then aesthetic design freedom is improved, but comfort during continuous use deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The chair transforms from a static structure to a dynamic one by incorporating a swing mechanism that allows the seat to oscillate forward and backward. This dynamic motion capability enables the chair to adapt to user needs during continuous use, improving comfort while maintaining aesthetic design freedom through careful integration of moving components.
2Ease of operation
If gliders are used, then oscillating motion comfort is improved, but the ability to adjust reclining angle deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the oscillating motion mechanism of gliders with the reclining angle adjustment capability of recliners into a single integrated system. The swing arms are designed to provide both forward-backward oscillation and seat-back angle adjustment, allowing the chair to deliver both comfort benefits simultaneously without requiring separate mechanisms.
3Adaptability or versatility
If recliners are used, then reclining angle adjustment is improved, but oscillating motion capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention integrates the reclining mechanism with a swing mechanism, where the same structural components that enable angle adjustment also facilitate oscillating motion. The swing arms connect the seat frame to the base in a configuration that naturally permits both functions, eliminating the need for separate mechanisms and preserving oscillating motion capability while providing reclining adjustment.
4Adaptability or versatility
If powered recliners with motors are used, then infinite adjustment capability is improved, but device complexity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The chair employs a self-service mechanism where the user's own body movements and weight shifts naturally drive the oscillating motion and angle adjustments. The swing arms and pivot joints are designed to respond passively to user input, eliminating the need for motors, actuators, or powered systems while still providing continuous adjustment capability through mechanical advantage and gravitational forces.
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 seat provides micro and macro-level movement, promoting comfort and counteracting the negative effects of prolonged sitting by allowing natural adjustment to the user's position, enhancing physical and mental relaxation without the need for complex mechanisms.
Implementation Method 1
The seat may include a spring that is configured to bias the seat frame to the forwardmost position
Implementation Method 2
The seat may include a damper that is configured to limit the swinging motion of the seat frame relative to the chassis in at least one direction
Data Source
AI summary
A motion seat is described that includes a chassis, a seat frame, a seat cushion, a backrest, and a resilient hinge. The seat frame is attached to the chassis and the seat cushion and the backrest are each attached to the seat frame. The resilient hinge formed as a unitary body and may be formed from a resilient polymer. The seat cushion and/or the backrest is pivotably attached to the seat frame with the resilient hinge