Adjustable Armrest Assembly for Variable Backrest Widths

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional armrest devices are inconvenient to manufacture and assemble, and uncomfortable to use, as they have a fixed width that does not accommodate varying backrest widths or user statures, requiring redesign for each application.

Innovation Solution

An adjustable armrest device with a connecting mechanism featuring overlapping connecting rods and detachable fixing members, allowing for adjustable width and height settings to fit different body supporting apparatuses and user statures, enhancing manufacturing ease and user comfort.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the armrest device uses a fixed width design, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but it cannot accommodate varying backrest widths or user statures

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different backrest widths and user staturesVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The armrest device is divided into multiple segments: the connecting rod with overlapping portions, the fixing member with multiple fixing holes, and the armrest board. This segmentation allows independent adjustment of each component to achieve different widths and heights while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The fixed structure is transformed into an adjustable dynamic structure through the overlapping portions of the connecting rod and the detachable fixing member. The armrest device can dynamically adapt to different backrest widths and user statures by repositioning the fixing member along the overlapping portions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If the armrest device is designed for specific dimensions, then manufacturing precision is high, but it requires redesign for different applications

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing efficiencyVSAvoidversatility for different applications
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The connecting rod with overlapping portions and the fixing member with multiple fixing holes create a universal structure that can be applied to various backrest widths and user statures without requiring redesign. The same basic components serve multiple functions through different positioning combinations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The device allows changing of dimensional parameters (width and height) by adjusting the position of the fixing member along the overlapping portions and selecting different fixing holes, while maintaining the same basic structure and manufacturing process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If the armrest device uses fixed mounting, then assembly is simple, but it is uncomfortable for users with different statures

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser comfortVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting structure is segmented into the connecting rod, overlapping portions, and detachable fixing member, allowing easy adjustment of armrest position for different user statures while maintaining relatively simple assembly procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The fixing member can be easily detached and repositioned by the user or assembler without requiring special tools or complex procedures, enabling self-adjustment for different user needs while keeping the manufacturing process straightforward.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP2888974B1Armrest device
Publication Date: 2016.10.05 KARMA MEDICAL PRODUCTS CO LTD
  • EP2888974B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2888974B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2888974B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An armrest device includes two connecting rods (21), each of which has an armrest mounting portion (211) and an overlapping portion (212) connected to the armrest mounting portion (211). The overlapping portions (212) of the connecting rods (21) are overlapped with each other. The overlapping length of the overlapping portions (212) is adjustable. At least one fixing member (24) detachably interconnects the overlapping portions (212) of the connecting rods (21). Two armrest units (3) are mounted pivotably and respectively to the armrest mounting portions (211) of the connecting rods (21).