Suspension Material with Multi-Zone Stiffness for Seating Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional seating structures lack customizable support and aeration, with uniform tension leading to insufficient comfort and maintenance difficulties due to rigid attachment methods, limiting shape and size flexibility.
Innovation Solution
A seating structure with a suspension material divided into zones of varying stiffness, achieved through engineered textiles or thermally engineered suspension, allowing for differential tension application and zone-specific support, stability, and pressure relief.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If uniform tension is applied to suspension material, then manufacturing is simple, but user comfort and support customization deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The suspension material is divided into multiple zones (first zone, second zone, transition zone) with different stiffness characteristics. Each zone can be independently tensioned to different degrees, allowing customized support for different body regions while maintaining a unified structure that is relatively simple to manufacture and install.
Solution Approach 2:
Different zones of the suspension material are given different stiffness properties through selective tensioning. The first zone has lower stiffness for comfort, the second zone has higher stiffness for support, and the transition zone provides gradual variation. This local differentiation enhances adaptability without significantly complicating the overall manufacturing process.
2Stability of the object's composition
If membrane is attached directly to frame by wrapping around rods, then structural stability is improved, but repairability and shape flexibility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment system is segmented into discrete components: the frame with openings, the suspension material spanning these openings, and attachment mechanisms that can be independently accessed. This segmentation allows the membrane to be replaced without requiring complete disassembly of the frame structure, improving repairability while maintaining stability.
Solution Approach 2:
An intermediate attachment mechanism is introduced between the frame and the membrane, allowing the membrane to be secured to the frame in a way that provides stable attachment while enabling easier removal and replacement. This intermediary layer decouples the membrane from direct permanent attachment to the frame rods.
3Adaptability or versatility
If deformable cushion is used, then conformability to user body is improved, but aeration and self-adjusting support deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
A flexible membrane is used as the seating surface that can conform to the user's body shape while maintaining inherent permeability for aeration. The membrane's flexibility provides body conformity, while its porous or permeable structure allows air flow, eliminating the suffocation problem associated with solid foam cushions.
Solution Approach 2:
The membrane incorporates porous or permeable material properties that enable aeration through the seating surface. This allows air to pass through the cushioning layer, providing cooling and preventing moisture buildup, while the membrane remains flexible enough to conform to the user's body contours.
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
Enhances user comfort by providing customizable support and aeration, simplifies maintenance by allowing for zone-specific adjustments, and expands design possibilities through flexible attachment methods.
Implementation Method 1
Energy is applied to the second zone to increase the stiffness of the suspension material
Implementation Method 2
the suspension material is put in tension over the opening
Data Source
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AI summary
A body support structure includes a backrest and a seat connected to the backrest. A suspension material is connected to the backrest or the seat. The suspension material has a first zone with a first stiffness and a second zone with a second stiffness greater than the first stiffness. Also included are methods of creating different zones in the suspension material.