Seating Assembly Load-Dissipating Assemblies
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional seating assemblies fail to provide consistent comfort for occupants of varying sizes and weights, as they may feel soft for one person while being stiff and uncomfortable for another, lacking adequate features to address these variations.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating load-dissipating assemblies, such as fluid nanofoam pistons, operably coupled to slide rails that allow longitudinal movement of the seat, positioned at load-bearing points to absorb and dissipate load-impact events, enhancing comfort by providing compliance and 'give' to the seating assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional seating assemblies use fixed firmness structures, then structural stability is maintained, but comfort for occupants of varying sizes and weights deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by incorporating load-dissipating assemblies that modify the mechanical properties of the seating assembly. These assemblies change the firmness parameter dynamically based on the occupant's weight and distribution, allowing the same seat structure to adapt to different occupants without requiring multiple fixed-firmness configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The seating assembly is segmented into distinct functional components: the base structure, the slide rails for positional adjustment, and the load-dissipating assemblies for comfort adaptation. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, resolving the contradiction by adding adaptability through modular elements rather than redesigning the entire seating structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If load-dissipating assemblies are added to provide comfort for varying occupants, then comfort adaptability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The load-dissipating assemblies act as intermediary elements between the rigid seating structure and the occupant. These assemblies mediate the interaction by absorbing and dissipating loads, providing a buffer that enhances comfort without requiring fundamental changes to the underlying seating structure, thus limiting the increase in overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The load-dissipating assemblies are designed to automatically adjust to different occupants without requiring manual intervention or complex control systems. They self-regulate the firmness and comfort characteristics based on the applied load, eliminating the need for additional sensors, actuators, or control mechanisms that would further increase device complexity.
3Ease of operation
If slide rails permit longitudinal movement for adjustability, then ease of operation improves, but stability under load deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The load-dissipating assemblies are positioned to provide beforehand cushioning at the interface between the sliding seat and the fixed structure. This prior cushioning mechanism ensures that when the seat is adjusted to any position along the slide rails, the load-dissipating assemblies are already in place to stabilize the connection and prevent excessive movement or instability under load.
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 seating assembly achieves improved comfort for a variety of occupants by effectively absorbing and dissipating load-impact events, ensuring a smoother ride and accommodating occupants of different sizes and weights without interfering with adjustable features.
Implementation Method 1
the one or more load-dissipating assemblies include a first load-dissipating assembly and a second load-dissipating assembly... the first load-dissipating assembly and the second load-dissipating assembly are both fluid nanofoam pistons
Implementation Method 2
one or more load-dissipating assemblies operably coupled to an underside of the slide rail that permit longitudinal movement of the seat along the slide rail
Data Source
AI summary
A seating assembly includes a seat and one or more slide rails that slidably engage an underside of the seat and permit longitudinal movement of the seat along the slide rail. The seating assembly further includes one or more load-dissipating assemblies operably coupled to an underside of the slide rail.