Seating arrangement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current seating arrangements lack efficient mechanisms for adjusting the recline position of back assemblies and vertical adjustment of seat assemblies, limiting user comfort and flexibility.

Innovation Solution

The seating arrangement incorporates a control assembly with spring members and cam surfaces to bias the back assembly from a reclined to an upright position, and a linkage system with pivot arrangements and shafts to allow for adjustable arm support and seat movement, along with a locking mechanism for telescoping adjustments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a control assembly with spring members and cam surfaces is used to bias the back assembly from reclined to upright position, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The spring members are configured to automatically bias the back assembly from the reclined position toward the upright position without requiring external power or complex control systems. The cam surfaces work passively with the spring members to provide the biasing force, allowing the system to self-regulate the back assembly position based on user input alone.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The cam member includes multiple cam surfaces at different radial positions that engage with the spring members at different recline positions. This dynamic configuration allows the biasing force to be applied at optimal points during the recline motion, providing smooth and controlled operation throughout the range of motion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If a linkage system with pivot arrangements and shafts is used to allow adjustable arm support and seat movement, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveadaptabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The linkage system with pivot arrangements and shafts serves multiple functions simultaneously: it enables arm support adjustment, facilitates seat movement, and maintains structural connectivity between components. This multi-functional design allows a single mechanism to handle various adjustment needs without requiring separate systems for each function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The linkage system is divided into discrete pivot arrangements and shafts that can independently facilitate different movements and adjustments. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while contributing to the overall adaptability of the seating arrangement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If a locking mechanism is used for telescoping adjustments, then the reliability is improved, but the ease of operation worsens

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovereliabilityVSAvoidease of operation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The locking mechanism replaces complex mechanical fastening systems with a simpler telescoping design that uses interlocking geometric features. This substitution maintains reliable locking through shape complementarity rather than traditional mechanical fasteners, reducing the number of moving parts and simplifying operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The telescoping components are pre-configured with matching geometric features that automatically engage when the components are assembled. This preliminary configuration ensures reliable locking occurs automatically during the telescoping motion, eliminating the need for separate locking actions or complex adjustment procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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

This configuration enhances user comfort by providing flexible recline and vertical adjustments, ensuring secure and adjustable seating positions while maintaining structural integrity.

Implementation Method 1

a pair of spring members each having a first end operably coupled to the back assembly, and a second end, wherein the spring members are configured to bias the back assembly from the reclined position toward the upright position

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic force: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS10813459B2Seating arrangement
Publication Date: 2020.10.27 STEELCASE INC
  • US10813459B2 patent drawing
  • US10813459B2 patent drawing
  • US10813459B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A seating arrangement includes a seat assembly, a control assembly, a back assembly, and a quick-connection arrangement to connect the back assembly to the control assembly, where the back assembly includes first and second reliefs and the control assembly includes first and second shafts received within the first and second reliefs respectively, and a locking arrangement that includes a primary locking member pivotable between a locked position, where the primary locking member abuts the second shaft arrangement, thereby preventing the second shaft arrangement from being removed from within the second relief, and an unlocked position, where the second shaft arrangement may be removed from within the second relief, thereby allowing the back assembly to be uncoupled from the control assembly.