Seating arrangement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing seating arrangements often compromise on comfort, durability, and cost-effectiveness due to complex designs and high part counts, which can lead to increased manufacturing and labor costs.
Innovation Solution
A seating arrangement utilizing a combination of flexibly resilient shell members, a support member, and a rigid support member, integrated with a four-bar linkage mechanism that allows the back arrangement to move between upright and reclined positions while maintaining a constant angle, reducing part counts and manufacturing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing seating arrangements use complex designs with high part counts, then comfort and durability may be improved, but manufacturing and labor costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple linkage members into an integrated four-bar linkage mechanism where the seat pan, backrest, and base are connected through a unified structure. This merging reduces the total number of separate parts while maintaining the mechanical functionality and durability of the seating arrangement, thereby lowering manufacturing costs without sacrificing reliability
2Reliability
If existing seating arrangements use complex designs with high part counts, then comfort and durability may be improved, but labor costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the linkage members into a cohesive four-bar mechanism, the patent reduces the number of assembly steps and labor required. The unified structure requires fewer connection points and simplifies the assembly process, thereby reducing labor costs while maintaining the durability achieved through robust mechanical connections
3Adaptability or versatility
If the back arrangement is movable between upright and reclined positions, then comfort and adaptability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The four-bar linkage mechanism employs asymmetric linkages where the seat pan and backrest are connected at different angles and positions. This asymmetric design enables the backrest to move between upright and reclined positions while the seat pan remains relatively stable, achieving position adaptability without requiring complex multi-axis mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a dynamic four-bar linkage system where the connections between seat pan, backrest, and base allow controlled movement. The linkage members are designed to pivot and adjust angles, enabling the backrest to dynamically transition between positions while maintaining structural integrity, thus achieving adaptability without excessive complexity
4Reliability
If flexibly resilient shell members and support members are integrated, then comfort and durability are improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by integrating flexibly resilient shell members specifically at the seat pan and backrest surfaces where comfort is needed, while maintaining rigid support members in the linkage mechanism where structural integrity is critical. This localized integration approach improves comfort and durability without requiring complex integration throughout the entire structure, thereby managing manufacturing complexity
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 solution provides a comfortable, durable, and cost-effective seating arrangement with reduced part counts and manufacturing costs, offering a long operating life and uncomplicated design suitable for various applications.
Implementation Method 1
a pair of flexibly resilient front link members extending between the forward portion of the first link member and a forward portion of the second link member
Implementation Method 2
a rigid rear link member extending between the rearward portion of the first link member and the second link member
Implementation Method 3
the rearward portion of the first link member extends laterally in a first plane when the back arrangement is in the generally upright position, and the rearward portion of the first link member extends laterally in a second plane when the back arrangement is in the reclined position
Data Source
AI summary
A seating arrangement includes a back arrangement movable between upright and reclined positions, a linkage arrangement including a first link member comprising a portion of a seat arrangement, a second link member supported on a base, flexibly resilient front link members extending between forward portions of the first and second link members and being integral with the second link member, and a rigid rear link member extending between rearward portions of the first and second link members including a separate piece from the first or second link members, wherein the rearward portion of the first link member extends laterally in a first plane when the back arrangement is upright, and laterally in a second plane when the back arrangement is reclined, where the second plane is angled with respect to the first plane, and is positioned farther away from the base when the back arrangement is reclined than when upright.