Adjustable Lounger Locking Mechanism for Flat-Position Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing adjustable loungers face challenges in locking the bed surface in a completely horizontal position due to inherent flexibility, making it uncomfortable and difficult to limit play without additional locking mechanisms, and often require users to stand up to adjust the position.
Innovation Solution
A lounger design featuring a co-operating combination of a projecting member and a recess with a closure mechanism that allows the bed surface to be locked in any position, including the flat position, using a horizontal/linear movement of a closing member, enabling operation from a recumbent or seated position without the need to stand up.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking mechanism is added to limit play in the flat position, then stability and comfort are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the locking mechanism for the flat position with the existing tilt position adjustment mechanism. The closing member serves dual purposes: it locks the bed surface in tilted positions by engaging with the frame, and it locks the bed surface in the flat position by engaging with the recess in the frame. This merging eliminates the need for separate locking mechanisms for different positions, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining reliable locking stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The closing member is designed as a universal locking element that performs multiple functions. It can lock the bed surface in any tilted position and also lock it in the completely flat position. The recess in the frame is positioned to receive the closing member specifically when the bed surface is flat, creating a multi-functional locking system that simplifies the overall mechanism while ensuring stability across all positions.
2Reliability
If additional locking means are provided for the flat position, then locking reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates as users must stand up to adjust
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the operation of locking in flat position with the existing tilt adjustment operation. The same closing member and operating mechanism used for tilted position locking are also used for flat position locking. Users operate the single lever from a recumbent or seated position to engage or disengage the closing member with the recess, eliminating the need to stand up while maintaining reliable locking.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is designed as a universal system where a single operating element (the closing member actuated by the lever) performs both tilted position locking and flat position locking. The recess is positioned and dimensioned to receive the closing member in both scenarios, allowing users to lock or unlock the bed surface from a comfortable recumbent position regardless of whether they intend to use it in a tilted or flat configuration.
3Ease of operation
If the bed surface is divided into three segments, then ergonomic comfort is improved, but inherent flexibility causes play in the locked position
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the locking action with the hinge connection points of the three-segment bed surface. The closing member engages with the frame in a manner that simultaneously locks the relative positions of the torso, middle, and foot segments. This integrated locking approach stabilizes the hinges and eliminates play between segments while preserving the ergonomic benefits of the three-segment design for adjustable positioning.
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3
AI summary
Lounger (10), comprising a frame (11) and a pivotally adjustable bed surface (12), wherein the bed surface (12) and the frame (11) comprise a co-operating combination of a member (134) projecting transversely to the longitudinal direction of the lounger and a corresponding recess (118, 172), characterised in that the recess (172) is provided with a closure in the form of a movable closing member (170), wherein a movement of the closing member allows for opening and closing the recess (172), thus allowing the projecting member (134) to be locked up in the recess when the bed surface is in the horizontal position in order to lock the bed surface in place relative to the frame.