Mechanically actuatable structural assembly with dynamically configurable buckling arch element

Abstract

A mechanically actuatable structural assembly, which may be utilized in a seating system, includes a base support layer, a buckling layer coupled to and overlying the base support layer, and a movable slider between the base support layer and the buckling layer. The buckling layer has an elastically deformable buckling arch element, and the movable slider is coupled to the buckling arch element to actuate the buckling arch element. When the movable slider is in an extended state, the elastically deformable buckling arch element is unloaded or preloaded to maintain a relaxed shape. When the movable slider is in a retracted state, the elastically deformable buckling arch element is subjected to compressive axial loading that causes the elastically deformable buckling arch element to buckle outwardly into a loaded arch shape.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.