Test device for a removable part of a piece of furniture

Abstract

Test device for a removable part of a piece of furniture, wherein the test device has a holder designed to position the removable part for testing; and an arm assembly which carries a load, wherein the arm assembly is configured to move the load in order to exert a first force on the removable part; wherein the load is shaped and / or structured to simulate a part of a human body, and wherein the first force is applied along a first axis of the removable part.

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

[0001] The disclosure relates to a test apparatus. In some embodiments, the piece of furniture can be a chair, and the removable part can be an armrest of the chair. BACKGROUND

[0002] The following background discussion is intended solely to facilitate an understanding of the present disclosure. It should be acknowledged that this discussion does not constitute an endorsement or acknowledgment that any of the materials referenced were published, known, or part of the general common knowledge of a person skilled in the art in any jurisdiction at the priority date of the disclosure.

[0003] As part of quality control, furniture and its components typically undergo various tests. It is not uncommon for attachable / removable parts of a piece of furniture, such as armrests, to undergo specific load or stress tests.

[0004] However, current conventional test setups and procedures are not adequate to replicate market failure or to simulate an accurate user pattern(s) of the furniture. Consequently, it is possible that such test setups and procedures are unsuitable for relatively softer armrests made from specific materials, such as relatively soft polyurethane (PU).

[0005] Accordingly, there is a need for a test device and a testing procedure that aim to address at least one of the problems mentioned above. EXPLANATION

[0006] A technical solution is provided in the form of a test device capable of replicating and simulating the load-bearing movement of a furniture user on the removable part, thus reproducing market failures for benchmarking and improvement purposes. In some embodiments, the test device includes a component that simulates the interaction of a human elbow with a chair armrest.

[0007] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a test apparatus for a removable part of a piece of furniture (or furniture) is provided, wherein the test apparatus comprises a holder which is configured to position the removable part for testing; and an arm assembly which comprises a load, wherein the arm assembly is configured to move the load in order to exert a first force on the removable part; wherein the load is shaped and / or structured to simulate a part of a human body, and wherein the first force is exerted along a first axis of the removable part.

[0008] In one embodiment, the load is arranged to exert a second force on the removable part in a second direction, wherein the second direction differs from the first direction.

[0009] In one embodiment, the holder has a clamp to hold the removable part in place during testing.

[0010] In one embodiment, the arm assembly comprises a raised structure, a pneumatic arm, and a rail; wherein the rail is mounted on the raised structure at a rise from the support, and the pneumatic arm is mounted on the rail for moving the pneumatic arm along an axis defined by the rail.

[0011] In one embodiment, the load is set up to exert the initial force of 100 Newtons on the removable part.

[0012] In one embodiment, the load is made of steel or silicone.

[0013] In one embodiment, the test apparatus further comprises a programmable logic control device (PLC), wherein the PLC is configured to control the movement of the pneumatic arm to exert the first force.

[0014] In one embodiment, the PLC has a digital counter, wherein the digital counter is configured to count the number of times the load exerts the first force on the removable part and to compare the number of times with a predetermined number.

[0015] In one embodiment, the PLC is configured to provide at least one visual and one audio notification when the number of times exceeds the predetermined number.

[0016] In one embodiment, the furniture is a chair and the removable part is an armrest part.

[0017] In one embodiment, the armrest part has a padded section.

[0018] In one embodiment, the padded part is made of or with polyurethane.

[0019] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, a method for testing a removable part of a piece of furniture is provided, wherein the method comprises: providing a holder, the holder being configured to position the removable part for testing; and providing an arm assembly having a load, the arm assembly being configured to move the load to exert a first force on the removable part; wherein the load is shaped and / or structured to simulate a part of a human body, and wherein the first force is exerted along a first axis of the removable part.

[0020] In one embodiment, the method may further include: setting up the load to exert a second force on the removable part in a second direction, wherein the second direction differs from the first direction.

[0021] In one embodiment, the holder has a clamp to hold the removable part in place during testing.

[0022] In one embodiment, the load is set up to exert the initial force of 100 Newtons on the removable part.

[0023] In one embodiment, the load is made of or contains steel or silicone.

[0024] In one embodiment, the method further comprises: providing a programmable logic control device (PLC), wherein the PLC is configured to control the movement of the pneumatic arm to exert the first force.

[0025] In one embodiment, the method further comprises: setting up the digital counter to count the number of times the load exerts the first force on the removable part, and comparing the number of times with a predetermined number.

[0026] In one embodiment, the method further includes: configuring the PLC to provide at least one visual and one audio notification when the number of times exceeds the predetermined number. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] In the drawings, the same reference numerals generally refer to the same parts across different views. The drawings are not necessarily to scale; the emphasis is generally on illustrating the principles of the invention. The following description details various embodiments with reference to the following drawings, in which: Fig. Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a test device for a removable part of a piece of furniture according to various embodiments. Fig. 2A and Fig. Figure 2B shows perspective views of a load part, where the load part simulates a human elbow, according to various embodiments. Fig. 3A and Fig. 3B shows perspective views of a holder without a removable part and with a removable part according to some embodiments. Fig. 4 is a flowchart of a method for testing a removable part of a piece of furniture according to different embodiments. Fig. 5A shows a test setup for using the test device to perform a horizontal scissor test on a test sample, such as an armrest; Fig. 5B represents a compressed state of the armrest during testing; and Fig. 5C shows a delamination state of the test sample, which indicates that it is possible that the test sample has failed the horizontal scissor test. DESCRIPTION

[0028] The following detailed description refers to the accompanying drawings, which for illustrative purposes show specific details and embodiments in which the disclosure can be put into practice. These embodiments are / will be described in sufficient detail to enable a person skilled in the art to put the disclosure into practice. Other embodiments may be used, and structural and logical modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the disclosure. The various embodiments are not necessarily mutually exclusive, since some embodiments may be combined with one or more other embodiments to form new embodiments.

[0029] The disclosure illustrated herein may be practiced appropriately without one or more elements or limitations not expressly disclosed herein. Therefore, for example, the terms “indicating,” “including,” “containing,” etc., are to be read broadly and without restriction. The word “indicating” or variations such as “indicates” or “pointing” will accordingly be understood as implying the inclusion of a specified integer or group of integers, but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers.Furthermore, the terms and expressions used herein have been employed as descriptive rather than limiting terms, and there is no intention in the use of such terms and expressions to exclude equivalents of the features shown and described, or parts thereof, but rather it is acknowledged that various modifications are possible within the scope of the disclosure. Therefore, it should be understood that, although the present disclosure has been specifically described in exemplary embodiments and optional features, a person skilled in the art may refer to modifications and variations of the disclosure embodied herein.

[0030] Features described in connection with one embodiment may be applicable to identical or similar features in other embodiments. Features described in connection with one embodiment may be applicable to other embodiments even if they are not explicitly described in those other embodiments. Furthermore, additions, combinations, and / or alternatives as described for a feature in connection with one embodiment may be applicable to identical or similar features in other embodiments.

[0031] In the context of various embodiments, the articles "a" and "the," used in relation to a feature or element, indicate one or more of those features or elements. As used here, the term "and / or" indicates any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed elements. Furthermore, the singular terms "a" and "the" indicate plural unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Similarly, the word "or" is intended to indicate "and" unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0032] In the context of different embodiments, terms such as "first / first / first", "second / second / second", etc., may be used to describe different elements, and such elements are not limited to the terms mentioned above. The terms mentioned above are used only to distinguish one element from another and do not define any order or significance of the elements. Without infringing on the scope of descriptive rights, a first element may be referred to as a second element, and similarly, the second element may be referred to as a first element.

[0033] It should be understood that the terms "on", "over", "above", "below", "downwards", "side", "back", "left", "right", "front", "lateral", "side", "upwards", "downwards", etc., when used in the following description, are used for simplicity and to aid in understanding relative positions or directions, and are not intended to restrict the orientation of any device, structure, or any part of any device or structure.

[0034] In the context of various embodiments, the term “coupled” (or “connected”) may be understood herein as mechanically coupled, for example attached or fixed, or simply in contact without any fixing, and it is understood that both direct coupling and indirect coupling (in other words, coupling without direct contact) may be provided.

[0035] In the context of various embodiments, the term "furniture" can be understood here to mean one or more pieces of furniture. Such furniture may include a gaming chair, an ergonomic chair, or various combinations of features of such a chair.

[0036] To make the invention easy to understand and implement in practice, various embodiments will now be described using examples and without limitations, with reference to the figures.

[0037] Fig. Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a test device 100 according to various embodiments. The test device 100 can be suitable for providing various types of load tests on a removable part 200 of a piece of furniture (not shown). A non-limiting example of a load test is a horizontal scissor test. The removable part 200 can be considered a test specimen in the context of the present disclosure.

[0038] The test device 100 can be used for load testing a removable part 200 of a piece of furniture. The test device 100 can include a holder 110, which is configured to position the removable part 200 for testing, and an arm assembly 120, which carries a load 122. The arm assembly 120 is configured to move the load 122 to exert a first force 124 on the removable part 200. The load 122 can be shaped and / or structured to simulate a part of a human body.

[0039] In some embodiments, the part of the human body to be simulated can be a human elbow. The texture can be smooth or slightly rough with one or more protrusions to simulate a bony elbow.

[0040] The first direction can be perpendicular to the surface of the removable part, as shown.

[0041] The load 122 can further be configured to exert a second force 126 on the removable part in a second direction. The second direction can differ from the first direction. The second direction can run along a surface of the removable part 200.

[0042] The holder 110 can have one or more clamps 112 to lock or hold the removable part 200 in a desired or suitable position for testing, i.e. to hold the removable part 200 in place to prevent unnecessary movement of the removable part 200 during testing.

[0043] The arm assembly 120 comprises a raised structure 121, a pneumatic arm 123 and a rail 125; wherein the rail 125 is mounted on the raised structure 121 on a rise from or in relation to the holder 110 and the pneumatic arm 123 is in turn mounted on the rail 125 for moving the pneumatic arm 123 along an axis defined by the rail 125.

[0044] The elevated structure 121 can have two columns 121A extending from a base 130 of the device 100. A plate 121B can be arranged between the two columns 121A, the plate 121B being designed to support the pneumatic arm 123 and the rail 125. The load 122 can be attached to the pneumatic arm 123.

[0045] The test device 100 may further comprise an electrical box or unit 140. The electrical box or unit may house a programmable logic controller (PLC), the PLC being configured to control the movement of the pneumatic arm to apply the initial force. The PLC may be installed with software instructions such that, when executed, these instructions perform the testing of the removable part 200.

[0046] The test device 100 can have a movable base plate 115 to which the holder 110 is mounted. The base plate 115 can be made movable along a lateral axis by means of a pair of rails 117. The movement along the lateral axis can be adjusted by means of a rotary adjustment mechanism 116. The rotary adjustment mechanism 116 can be used for fine-tuning the movement of the base plate 115 along the lateral axis. The pair of rails 117 can be mounted on the base 130.

[0047] In some embodiments, the PLC includes a counter, such as a digital counter, which may be configured to count the number of times the load exerts the first force on the removable part and to compare the number of times with a predetermined number.

[0048] In some embodiments, the PLC is configured to provide at least one visual and / or audio notification when the number of times exceeds the pre-set number.

[0049] In some embodiments, the load 122 is set up to exert the first force and / or the second force of 100 Newtons on the removable part.

[0050] Fig. 2A and Fig. Figure 2B represents an embodiment of the load 122. The load 122 can be shaped as a dome (i.e., cup-shaped) to simulate the elbow of a human being. The dome can preferably have a diameter of 5 centimeters (cm) and a height of 3 cm. Fig. 2B, the load 122 can be made of or with silicone to mimic human skin, i.e., a silicone load 122A. Alternatively, the load 122 can be made of or with metal, such as steel 122B, which may include stainless steel. It is worth noting that various materials (e.g., glass, wood) can be considered depending on the intended simulation of the load type on the removable part 200. In some embodiments, the selection of different materials for the intended simulation may be based on the desired interaction with the removable part 200.

[0051] Fig. 3A and Fig. Figure 3B shows an embodiment of a holder 110 with two clamps 112 and a base plate 114. The two clamps 112 can be mounted on the base 130 of the device 100. Each clamp 112 can be pivoted and rotated about a mounting point 113. In addition to the rotational movement, each clamp 112 can also be tilted / tilted upwards and downwards about the mounting point 113.

[0052] In some embodiments, the pneumatic arm 123 may include a hydraulic unit (not shown) to extend the pneumatic arm 123 slidably from a housing. The hydraulic unit may hold a hydraulic fluid, so that an increase in the fluid held by the hydraulic unit can push the pneumatic arm 123 toward the holder 110 (and the removable part 200, when operating normally). In some embodiments, the device 100 may include one or more pressure valves arranged to detect the pressure exerted on the removable part 200 by the pneumatic arm 123. Each pressure valve may be configured to measure the pressure of a fluid within the pneumatic arm 123. The detected pressure values ​​can then be converted into force values ​​in Newtons (assuming the area of ​​the load 122 is known).

[0053] The disclosure will next be described in the context of an operation of the device 100.

[0054] The pneumatic arm 123 can be activated via a series of electrical relays with the PLC to activate the pneumatic arm 123 and other moving parts when required.

[0055] As the pneumatic arm 123 moves towards the removable part 200, which may be a removable chair armrest made of a relatively soft polyurethane (PU) material, a force can be exerted on the removable part 200 in the first direction. This first direction can be essentially perpendicular to the surface of the removable part 200. The rail 125 can be used to facilitate the movement of the pneumatic arm 123 along the second direction.

[0056] In some embodiments, the second direction can extend along the surface of the removable part 200. The combination of the first force in the first direction and the second force in the second direction provides a clamping motion when the load is applied at a position on the surface of the removable part 200. This can accurately simulate a human elbow arrangement on an armrest, which, due to the weight of the elbow, can exert a downward force (first force) on the armrest and, due to the movement of the elbow on the armrest, a horizontal force (second force) along the surface of the armrest. That is, the first force can be a compressive force and the second force can be a translational force. It may be noteworthy that, in order to achieve the clamping motion, the first force in the first direction and the second force in the second direction are applied simultaneously at the position (e.g., the point where the load is applied).B. with a precise stroke length) on the removable part via the load can be applied.

[0057] In some embodiments, the PLC can be configured to display a force value during testing. The force value can be derived or calculated from the measured pressure via the pressure valves and can be displayed on a user interface or on the pressure valves themselves.

[0058] In some embodiments, the rotary adjustment mechanism 116 can be used to determine the exact area for testing by fine-tuning the position of the holder 110.

[0059] In some embodiments, the pneumatic arm 123 can be configured to allow a force to be realistically replicated.

[0060] In some embodiments, the PLC may be set up to work with relays to accurately control the pneumatic arm 123 and the position of the pneumatic arm 123 during the load movement (e.g. when applying the first and second forces) and to end the load test when a specific number of cycles has been completed.

[0061] According to another aspect of the present disclosure and with reference to Fig. 4 is a method 400 for testing a removable part of a piece of furniture, wherein the method comprises the following steps: providing a holder, wherein the holder is configured to position the removable part for testing (step 402); and providing an arm assembly having a load, wherein the arm assembly is configured to move the load to exert a first force on the removable part (step 404); wherein the load is shaped and / or structured to simulate a part of a human body, and wherein the first force is exerted along a first axis of the removable part.

[0062] As described in the previous embodiment, the part of the human body can be an elbow.

[0063] In some embodiments, the method may further include: setting up the load to exert a second force on the removable part in a second direction, wherein the second direction differs from the first direction (step 406).

[0064] It may be noteworthy that the configuration of the load to exert the first force in step 404 and the second force in step 406 can be accomplished by means of executable software instructions, wherein the executable software instructions may be stored on one or more computer-readable or non-volatile computer-readable media. Such medium or media may comprise any form of physical storage device, such as a hard disk, a CD, a DVD, a USB flash drive, a memory card, etc. In some embodiments, the non-transient computer-readable medium may store instructions such that, when executed by a processor, such as the programmable logic control device, they cause the processor to perform a test using the device 100.

[0065] Fig. Figure 5A shows a test setup for performing a horizontal shear test on a removable part 200 using the device 100. Before testing, the removable part 200 (also referred to as the PU part) can be mounted on the holder 110, and the clamps 112 can secure the removable part 200 to minimize movement of the PU part 200.

[0066] The load 122, which simulates a part of the human body, such as the elbow, can be positioned 3 cm from a longitudinal side edge 502 and 10 cm from a wide side edge 504 of the PU part 200, as shown in Fig. 5A is shown. The surface of the load 122 can be made of or with steel.

[0067] The first force in the first direction is given as "510", and the second force in the second direction is given as "520", in Fig. 5A.

[0068] Since / If the load 122 exerts a first force of 100 Newtons in the first direction, the PU part 200 is checked to see if it can be compressed as described in Fig. 5B is shown. If not, the load 122 can easily be shifted towards the longitudinal or the transverse side edge. In some embodiments, the first force can be in a range of 50 Newtons to 200 Newtons.

[0069] The load 122 can then be moved in a second direction along the surface of the PU part 200 by 4 cm, with the same force of 100 Newtons in the direction of the longitudinal side edge or the transverse side edge; the load is then moved upwards (i.e., the force of 100 Newtons is moved away from the removable part 200) and then returns to its initial position, as shown in Fig. Figure 1 shows this. This can then be counted as 1 cycle, where the static load is continuously applied at a constant rate in both the first and second directions. In some embodiments, the second force can be in the range of 50 Newtons to 200 Newtons.

[0070] In some embodiments, the PLC can be configured to perform the horizontal scissor test with predetermined cycles per minute, for example, 20 to 30 cycles per minute.

[0071] In some embodiments, the horizontal shear test can be performed for a predetermined total number of cycles, for example, 4000. The PU part is deemed to have passed the test if, after the predetermined total of 4000 cycles, there is no chipping or delamination at the edge of the PU part. In some embodiments, the PU part is also deemed to have passed the test if there are no abrasion marks on the surface of the PU part.

[0072] In some embodiments, the test is terminated as soon as signs of a defect, such as delamination 530, are observed on a surface of the PU part (see Fig. 5C). A visual inspection can be performed at any specified number of cycles, for example every 500 cycles, to check for delamination or other defects.

[0073] In some embodiments, the pressure sensor (pressure valves) may be configured to convert air pressure into Newton force measurements, but other pressure sensors, such as one or more load cell sensors, may be suitable.

[0074] Several possible variations of the device 100 are described below.

[0075] Although the device 100 was described with reference to the base 130, where various components are mounted, it can be seen that it is possible that the base 130 is not required.

[0076] In some embodiments, the electrical box or unit 140 can be configured to remotely control the operation of the pneumatic arm 123. The pneumatic arm 123 and the electrical unit 140 can be equipped with wireless communication modules to send / receive control signals for implementing the load test.

[0077] In some embodiments, a plurality of pneumatic arms 123 may be included, each pneumatic arm 123 being configured to exert / act on a test specimen with different forces and / or at different positions.

[0078] In some embodiments, the load 122 may be shaped and / or structured to simulate a human knee / leg for testing a leg support or a head for testing a head support.

[0079] Although the disclosure has been specifically shown and described with reference to specific embodiments, it should be understood by a person skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure as defined by the accompanying claims. The scope of the disclosure is therefore specified by the accompanying claims, and it is therefore intended that all changes falling within the meaning and equivalence of the claims are included.

Claims

[1] Test apparatus for a removable part of a piece of furniture, wherein the test apparatus comprises a holder designed to position the removable part for testing; and an arm assembly which carries a load, wherein the arm assembly is configured to move the load in order to exert a first force on the removable part; wherein the load is shaped and / or structured to simulate a part of a human body, and wherein the first force is applied along a first axis of the removable part. [2] Test apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the load is configured to exert a second force on the removable part in a second direction, and wherein the second direction differs from the first direction. [3] Test apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the holder has a clamp to hold the removable part in place during testing. [4] Test apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the arm assembly comprises a raised structure, a pneumatic arm and a rail; wherein the rail is mounted on the raised structure on a rise from the support and the pneumatic arm is mounted on the rail for moving the pneumatic arm along an axis defined by the rail. [5] Test apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the load is configured to exert the first force of 100 Newtons on the removable part. [6] Test apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the load is made of steel or silicon. [7] Test apparatus according to any one of claims 4 or 5, which further comprises a programmable logic control device (PLC) wherein the PLC is configured to control the movement of the pneumatic arm to exert the first force. [8] Test apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the PLC has a digital counter, the digital counter being configured to count the number of times the load exerts the first force on the removable part and to compare the number of times with a predetermined number. [9] Test apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the PLC is configured to provide at least one of a visual and one of an audio notification when the number of times exceeds the predetermined number. [10] Test apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the furniture is a chair and the removable part is an armrest part. [11] Test apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the armrest part has a padded part. [12] Test apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the padded part is made of or with polyurethane.

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