Tensioned Elastomeric Seat Diaphragm with Segmented Support Zones

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing seat designs with tensioned diaphragms face challenges in providing sufficient support without increasing cost and weight, as higher initial tensions can compromise comfort and durability, and using more supportive materials leads to higher costs and weights.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a seat design with a tensioned elastomeric diaphragm suspension comfort surface featuring a central main portion and flank portions, where inextensible tension-struts link the main and flank portions to the seat frame, allowing the main portion to be further tensioned and become more supportive under occupant weight, thereby optimizing support without excessive cost or weight increase.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If higher initial tension is applied to the diaphragm to improve support, then support capability is improved, but weight and cost increase due to stronger frame structures

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesupport capabilityVSAvoidframe structure weight

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The diaphragm is segmented into a main portion and flank portions, with the main portion being stretchable and the flank portions being substantially inextensible. This segmentation allows the support function to be concentrated in the main portion without requiring the entire diaphragm and frame structure to be overly strong and heavy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies different properties to different parts of the diaphragm: the main portion is made stretchable to provide support under load, while the flank portions are made substantially inextensible to maintain structural integrity. This local differentiation allows optimized support capability without uniformly increasing overall structure weight.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Strength

If higher initial tension is applied to the diaphragm to improve support, then support capability is improved, but comfort deteriorates due to reduced deflection

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesupport capabilityVSAvoidcomfort

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the diaphragm into stretchable and inextensible portions, the system allows controlled deflection in the main portion for comfort while the inextensible flank portions provide structural support, enabling both comfort and support capability without requiring uniformly high initial tension.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Strength

If diaphragm material with more or larger elastomer strands is used to improve support, then support capability is improved, but cost and weight increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesupport capabilityVSAvoiddiaphragm weight

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent concentrates the elastomeric stretchable material in the main portion where support is needed, while using substantially inextensible material for the flank portions. This local quality differentiation provides necessary support capability without uniformly increasing diaphragm weight through heavier materials throughout.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

4Strength

If higher initial tension is applied to the diaphragm to improve support, then support capability is improved, but durability deteriorates due to working material closer to stretch limit

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesupport capabilityVSAvoiddurability

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The segmentation of the diaphragm into stretchable main portion and inextensible flank portions allows the stretchable material to work within optimal strain ranges while providing necessary support. The inextensible portions bear structural loads without stretching, preventing the entire diaphragm from being worked to the limit of its allowable stretch range.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 support by concentrating tension in the main diaphragm portion, improving comfort and durability while maintaining cost-effectiveness, as the tension-struts prevent flank portion stretching, allowing for a faster buildup of supportive tension without increasing the diaphragm's pre-tension beyond normal ranges.

Implementation Method 1

the tension-struts rotate about pivots in a way as to constrain the stretch of the flank portions

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRotation:

Implementation Method 2

cause the main portion of the diaphragm to be further tensioned and become more supportive

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTension: Tension

Implementation Method 3

The modern diaphragm is typically made of elastomeric material or fabric containing elastomers that can be tensioned by stretching

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS12042052B1System for improving the support of tensioned elastomeric seating suspensions

Publication Date: 2024.07.23 FRANKLIN PRODUCTS INC

AI summary

A seat having a seat bottom assembly supporting a diaphragm between side members of a structural frame of the seat. The seat bottom assembly including a diaphragm having a first flank portion, a main portion and a second flank portion arranged between the side members, the main portion being between the flank portions. The diaphragm is supported such that the main portion of the diaphragm contains an effective length of stretchable material of the diaphragm when supporting an occupant of the seat.