Adjustable lift chair frame
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Solution Overview
Problem
The manufacturing of lift chair frames is complicated by the variety of sizes required, which hinders automation and increases costs due to the need for custom-designed frames that are both strong and lightweight, particularly for users with physical limitations or disabilities.
Innovation Solution
A lift chair frame design featuring adjustable components such as seat and back frames, utilizing standardized parts that can be configured to various dimensions through alignment features and fasteners, allowing for multiple configurations without the need for extensive customization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If custom-designed frames are used for each model and size, then the frame can satisfy desired weight rating and dimensions, but the manufacturing process becomes more complicated and cannot be fully automated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single standardized frame platform that can serve multiple model and size requirements through modular components. The frame uses standardized tubes and connectors that can be configured in different arrangements to create various chair sizes and styles, eliminating the need for completely custom-designed frames for each model while maintaining the ability to satisfy different weight ratings and dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame is segmented into modular components including standardized tubes, connectors, and adjustable elements that can be independently selected and assembled. This segmentation allows the manufacturing process to be simplified into standardized production of components followed by modular assembly, enabling partial automation while still achieving custom configurations for different models and sizes.
2Adaptability or versatility
If custom-designed frames are used for each model and size, then the frame can satisfy desired weight rating and dimensions, but production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The standardized frame platform with universal components allows a single set of parts to produce multiple chair models and sizes, significantly reducing tooling costs, inventory requirements, and manufacturing setup time. This universality directly lowers production costs while maintaining the ability to meet diverse frame specifications for different weight ratings and dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular component system allows for efficient inventory management where standardized tubes and connectors can be reused across different production runs for various chair models. This reduces waste and allows for more efficient material utilization, thereby reducing production costs associated with custom frame manufacturing.
3Weight of moving object
If the frame is made lightweight for competitive reasons, then the chair is more competitive, but the frame must still be sufficiently strong to satisfy weight rating
Solution Approach 1:
The frame utilizes composite construction combining lightweight aluminum tubes with strategic reinforcement elements and bracing. The standardized tubes are selected from different weight classes allowing optimization of each frame member's weight-to-strength ratio, achieving overall lightweight construction while maintaining sufficient strength for required weight ratings through the composite structure of multiple components working together.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame applies local quality by varying the thickness, diameter, and material properties of individual tube sections based on their specific structural requirements. High-stress areas use heavier-gauge tubes while lower-stress areas use lighter-gauge tubes, optimizing the overall frame weight while ensuring sufficient strength at critical locations to satisfy weight rating requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
A lift chair frame is disclosed having an adjustable seat including a front support bar assembly including a left member and a right member connected to the left member, a rear support bar assembly opposite the front support bar assembly along a longitudinal direction, a left support bar connected to the front and rear support bar assemblies, and a right support bar opposite the left support bar along a lateral direction that is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and connected to the front and rear support bar assemblies. The lift chair frame also includes an adjustable back coupled to the adjustable seat, where each of the left and right members includes a plurality of alignment features positioned in predetermined locations that correspond to predetermined adjustable seat widths, such that during assembly one of the predetermined adjustable seat widths can be achieved by 1) aligning one of the alignment features of the left member with one of the alignment features of the right member, and 2) securing the left member to the right member.