Suspended Tile Seat Structure for Flexible Weight Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional seats lack a flexible and supportive structure that effectively distributes user weight across a surface, often leading to discomfort and stress on the fabric material.
Innovation Solution
A seat design featuring a hexagonal frame with a suspension system comprising elastic bands and support tiles, where elastic cables are tensioned across the frame and connected to support tiles that provide a comfortable and durable support surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional seats use a simple fabric structure, then the device complexity is low, but the user comfort and weight distribution are poor
Solution Approach 1:
The seat is divided into multiple discrete support tiles (e.g., hexagonal or circular elements) arranged in a pattern across the seating surface. Each tile acts as an independent support element, allowing localized weight distribution and flexibility while maintaining overall structural simplicity through modular repetition of the same basic component.
Solution Approach 2:
The support tiles are connected through a flexible linkage system that allows dynamic movement and adjustment. This enables the seat structure to adapt and conform to user weight distribution in real-time, providing enhanced comfort through dynamic response rather than rigid support, while the flexibility maintains relatively simple construction.
2Strength
If conventional seats use a rigid support structure, then the structural strength is high, but the flexibility and user comfort are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The rigid structure is broken down into multiple small, discrete support tiles connected by flexible elements. This segmentation allows each individual tile to maintain structural integrity and strength, while the collection of tiles connected through flexible linkages provides overall system flexibility and adaptability to user weight distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection system between support tiles utilizes flexible elements (such as elastic bands, springs, or flexible linkages) that can bend and deform under load. These flexible connectors maintain structural strength by distributing forces across multiple connection points while allowing the overall structure to flex and adapt to user positioning and weight distribution.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional seats concentrate user weight on the fabric, then the structure is simple, but the fabric stress and discomfort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The fabric surface is divided into multiple discrete contact points through the array of support tiles. This segmentation distributes the user's weight across numerous small areas rather than concentrating it on the fabric, significantly reducing fabric stress and potential damage while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure through repetitive modular elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The support tiles act as intermediary elements between the user's body weight and the fabric structure. Instead of weight being applied directly to the fabric, the tiles serve as intermediate support surfaces that bear the load and transfer it through their connection system to the frame, protecting the fabric from excessive stress while maintaining structural simplicity.
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 design provides a comfortable and durable support surface by distributing user weight effectively across the seat, reducing stress on the fabric and enhancing user support through a flexible and adjustable structure.
Implementation Method 1
A flexible supporting structure at least partially spans the seat opening and is configured to support a user. The flexible supporting structure includes a suspension system having a plurality of bands and a plurality of support tiles.
Data Source
AI summary
A seat includes a frame defining an interior space bounded by an outer periphery. A fabric portion extends radially inward from the frame. A plurality of bands is engaged with the fabric portion and a plurality of support members is coupled to one or more bands of the plurality of bands. Each support member includes a connection member and a contact member secured to the connection member. The contact members cooperate to form a support surface spanning at least a portion of the interior space.