Seating arrangement

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Seating arrangements often have complex mechanisms with pinch points, difficult assembly processes, and require multiple actuators, increasing complexity and cost, while armrests are hard to secure and flexible materials are challenging to attach properly.

Innovation Solution

A seating arrangement with a tilt control mechanism featuring a single actuator for both spring boost and stop systems, quick release connections, and easy assembly of armrests, along with a secure attachment system for flexible materials and armrests.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple actuators are used for spring boost and stop systems, then the seating arrangement can provide optimized seating experience with independent control, but the complexity and cost of the system increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseating experience optimizationVSAvoidnumber of actuators

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the spring boost actuator and stop system actuator into a single integrated actuator mechanism. This single actuator can selectively engage either the spring boost system or the stop system, eliminating the need for separate actuators while maintaining full functionality for both spring boost and stop operations, thereby reducing system complexity and cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single actuator is designed with multi-functionality to perform both spring boost engagement and stop system engagement. By incorporating universal engagement features such as a pawl that can selectively engage different ratchet wheels or positioning mechanisms, the actuator serves multiple purposes, replacing what would traditionally require separate actuators.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Stability of the object's composition

If complex connection mechanisms are used between components, then the seating arrangement can provide stable connections, but the assembly process becomes complicated and disassembly/shipping as separate components is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection stabilityVSAvoidassembly process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The seating arrangement is divided into separable modular components including the seat, backrest, and base that can be easily assembled and disassembled. Quick-connect mechanisms with simple engagement features allow these components to be stably connected during use but quickly separated for shipping or reconfiguration, eliminating the need for complex permanent connections.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The connection mechanisms incorporate dynamic elements such as movable locking arms, spring-loaded engagement features, and adjustable linkages that automatically secure components during assembly while allowing for easy disassembly. These dynamic connections maintain stability during operation but can be quickly released when needed for shipping or reconfiguration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Strength

If tubular support structures are used for armrests, then the armrests can provide structural support, but they are difficult to secure to the supporting structure and require elaborate support structures

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvearmrest supportVSAvoidarmrest attachment

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

An intermediary mounting bracket or adapter is introduced between the tubular armrest support and the main chair structure. This intermediary component provides a simplified interface that easily secures the tubular support without requiring elaborate machining or complex attachment mechanisms, maintaining structural strength while simplifying the attachment process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Ease of operation

If suspension material is attached to the backrest frame, then the backrest can provide flexible support, but the attachment process is difficult and the attachment points are exposed and unprotected

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflexible material supportVSAvoidsuspension material attachment

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The suspension material is nested within or behind a protective covering or frame structure on the backrest. This nested arrangement allows the flexible material to be securely attached while the outer covering protects the attachment points and provides a finished appearance, eliminating exposed attachment hardware.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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

Reduces assembly time, allows knock-down shipping, and decreases the number of parts and space required, while ensuring easy and secure attachment of armrests and flexible materials, enhancing user experience.

Implementation Method 1

A spring is engaged with at least one of the seat or backrest

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpring: Spring

Data Source

PatentEP4307965B1Seating arrangement

Publication Date: 2026.02.25 STEELCASE INC

Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~7

AI summary

A seating arrangement may include a backrest with a shroud and/or anchor elements securing a membrane and flexible material. An actuator may operate may simultaneously operate boost/stop components acting on a tilt control mechanism of the seating arrangement. An armrest assembly may include a strap, tubular member and adapter interfacing between the strap and tubular member.