Zoned Suspension Seating Structure for Tailored Support
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
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.
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 and comfort adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If uniform tension is applied to suspension material, then structural simplicity is maintained, but user comfort and support customization deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The suspension material is divided into multiple zones with different tension levels. The first zone has a first tension and the second zone has a second tension different from the first tension, creating differentiated support regions for different body parts without requiring complete structural redesign
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the suspension material are assigned different mechanical properties through varying tension levels. The first zone provides one level of support while the second zone provides a different level of support, allowing localized optimization for specific anatomical regions
2Stability of the object's composition
If membrane is attached directly to frame by wrapping around rods, then structural stability is improved, but ease of repair and replacement deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment system is segmented into discrete attachment points or regions along the frame. This allows individual membrane sections to be accessed, detached, and replaced without requiring complete disassembly of the entire membrane attachment system
Solution Approach 2:
The membrane attachment mechanism is designed to allow extraction of the membrane from the frame structure. Attachment elements are configured to release the membrane from rods or frame members, enabling removal and replacement while maintaining the structural integrity of the frame itself
3Ease of manufacture
If single-density foam padding is used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to different user positions and tilt angles deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The seating surface is segmented into multiple zones with different foam densities or suspension tensions. This allows different regions to provide optimized support for different body parts and user positions without requiring a completely complex multi-component structure
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the seating structure have locally optimized properties through varied tension or density characteristics. This provides position-specific support characteristics while maintaining overall structural coherence
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 tailored support and relief through adjustable stiffness zones, improving aeration and simplifying maintenance by allowing for localized tension adjustments.
Implementation Method 1
The suspension material has a first zone with a first stiffness, a second zone with a second stiffness greater than the first stiffness
Implementation Method 2
Energy is applied to the second zone to increase the stiffness of the suspension material
Implementation Method 3
Different tensions are applied to the blank of suspension material with different clamping elements
Data Source
AI summary
A body support structure including a backrest, a seat connected to the backrest, and a suspension material connected to the backrest or the seat. The suspension material includes elastomeric filaments with monofilaments and multifilaments. The suspension material further includes a first zone with a first stiffness, a second zone with a second stiffness greater than the first stiffness, and a transition zone positioned between the first zone and the second zone.