Seating

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional seating furniture that converts from a sitting to a reclining position requires significant space due to the use of scissor-type frames, which limits its space-saving and comfort potential.

Innovation Solution

A seating furniture design featuring a multi-part frame structure with a hingedly coupled foot and seat frame section, connected via a length-adjustable coupling unit, allowing for a comfortable reclining position without the need for extensive space, achieved through a pivotable base frame section and a stable, adjustable footrest mechanism.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a scissor-type frame is used to extend the footrest from sitting to reclining position, then the reclining function is achieved, but the space required for full extension increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereclining functionVSAvoidspace required
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The footrest section is nested within the seat structure when in the sitting position, allowing it to be stored compactly. When transitioning to reclining, the footrest extends outward in a controlled manner rather than requiring full scissor-type expansion, effectively nesting the extended position within the overall furniture footprint.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The seating furniture employs dynamic positioning mechanisms that allow the footrest and seat shell to transition smoothly between sitting and reclining positions. The pivotable base frame section and adjustable coupling unit enable the footrest to move from a retracted state to an extended state without requiring excessive space, adapting the structure to different usage states.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If the seat shell is lowered by shortening the coupling unit to transition to relaxed position, then comfort is improved, but the structural complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovecomfortVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The frame structure is divided into distinct segments: the seat frame section, the base frame section, and the footrest section, connected through hinges and a coupling unit. This segmentation allows each part to move independently and contribute to the overall transition from sitting to reclining position, achieving comfort through coordinated movement of simplified individual components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The coupling unit acts as an intermediary mechanism between the seat shell and the receiving unit, controlling the lowering motion. By mediating the connection and providing a controlled adjustment mechanism, it enables smooth transitions to relaxed positions without requiring complex direct connections between all structural elements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Enables a space-efficient and comfortable transition between sitting and reclining positions, with enhanced stability and ease of use, including motor-controlled adjustments for user convenience.

Implementation Method 1

Lowering the seat shell exerts a tensile force on the base frame section. This tensile force is sufficiently large to pivot the base frame section from its original, folded position.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTensile force: Tension

Implementation Method 2

the frame structure has at least one foot frame section and a seat frame section, wherein both frame sections are hingedly coupled to one another

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHinge mechanism: Hinge

Implementation Method 3

This compressive force pivots the foot frame section from the unfolded, relaxed position back to its original base position.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCompressive force: Compression

Data Source

PatentEP4129117B1Seating
Publication Date: 2025.07.02 KOINOR POLSTERMOBEL
  • EP4129117B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4129117B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4129117B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a piece of seating furniture.