Loose-Cushion Seat Connector for Lower-Back Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Loose-back seating units often provide insufficient lower-back support, leading to discomfort, especially after extended use, due to a gap between the seat and back cushions that fails to maintain contact under user weight.
Innovation Solution
A connector system, comprising a non-elastic fabric flap removably attached to both the seat and back cushions, ensures the back cushion remains in close proximity to the seat cushion when depressed, minimizing the gap and enhancing support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the back cushion is allowed to move freely on the frame, then the ease of operation is improved, but the lower-back support deteriorates due to gap formation
Solution Approach 1:
The connector changes the positional parameter of the back cushion by pulling it downward to eliminate the gap, while maintaining the cushion's overall mobility. This allows the back cushion to remain adjustable yet provide consistent lower-back support when seated.
2Reliability
If the back cushion is pulled down to eliminate the gap, then the lower-back support is improved, but the friction holding the cushion against the frame is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The connector acts as an intermediary element that transfers the force from the seat cushion to the back cushion, pulling it downward to eliminate the gap. This mediator mechanism overcomes the insufficient friction force that would otherwise allow gap formation.
3Reliability
If a connector is added to join the cushions, then the lower-back support is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is implemented as a flexible fabric flap rather than a rigid mechanical component. This thin film approach provides the necessary connecting function while minimizing added complexity, allowing easy attachment and detachment without complex mechanisms.
4Reliability
If the connector is permanently attached, then the lower-back support is maintained, but the ease of manufacture and assembly is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The connector system transitions from a static permanent attachment to a dynamic removable attachment. The fabric flap can be easily attached and detached, allowing flexibility in assembly and disassembly while maintaining reliable connection during use through the elastic tension.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure includes a loose-cushion seat with improved lower-back support. At least one connector is applied to a loose-cushion seating unit that joins a portion of the peripheral surface of the seat cushion to a portion of the rear surface of the back cushion. The connector is removably attached to at least one of the seat cushion and the back cushion so the cushions can be detached from one another. The connector joins the cushions in such a manner that at least a portion the back cushion is pulled down to remain in close proximity with the top surface of the seat cushion when the seat cushion is depressed under the weight of a user, thereby providing improved lower-back support to the user.