Angular adjustment tool and sofa
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional angular adjustment tools generate metallic noise due to the collision of a floating wedge member with a gear member, causing discomfort for users when adjusting the angle of headrests or beds.
Innovation Solution
A non-contact free-holding mechanism that allows the toothed surface of the floating wedge member to remain free from the gear member during swinging motion in one direction, utilizing friction forces to maintain a non-contact state and meshed state in the opposite direction, constraining the relative swinging motion through the wedge effect.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the floating wedge member is pressed on the gear member by spring back force, then the angular position is securely held, but metallic noise is generated during swinging motion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the contact state between the floating wedge member and gear member changeable. The system transitions from a continuous contact state (when angular adjustment is not needed) to a non-contact state (when angular adjustment is needed), allowing the floating wedge member to be dynamically separated from the gear member during swinging motion to eliminate metallic noise, while maintaining secure angular position holding when contact is established
2Reliability
If the toothed surface of the floating wedge member contacts the gear member, then the angular position is secured, but noise is generated during adjustment motion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by creating alternating contact and non-contact states between the toothed surface of the floating wedge member and the gear member. During angular adjustment, the system enters a non-contact periodic state to prevent noise generation, while during position holding, it transitions to a contact state to secure the angular position, thus periodically switching between these two functional states
3Stability of the object's composition
If the wedge member remains under spring force, then the meshed state is maintained, but the non-contact state cannot be achieved during swinging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring the system with a second member that can apply preliminary force to separate the floating wedge member from the gear member before the swinging motion begins. This preliminary separation action ensures that the floating wedge member is already in a non-contact state when swinging starts, enabling smooth operation without noise, while the spring force remains prepared to maintain the meshed state when needed
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution prevents the generation of metallic noise during angular adjustments, ensuring a quiet and comfortable operation by maintaining a non-contact state between the toothed surface and gear member, thus securing the desired angle without slippage.
Implementation Method 1
the relative swinging motion to the other direction (B) is constrained by means of the wedge effect of the floating wedge member
Implementation Method 2
a wedge operating member which is revolved through a small angular range by means of the friction forces accompanying the revolution with the second member
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
PURPOSE: The provision of an angular adjustment tool reducing the generation of so-called metallic noise in tandem with the swinging motion. SOLUTION MEANS: An angular adjustment tool which is equipped with a first member 1, and a second member 2 having the gear means 4, and a floating wedge member 6 having the toothed surface 7 which can mesh with the gear means 4 and which is pivotally attached in a swingable manner, and enabling a relative swinging motion of the second member 2 to one direction A with respect to the first member 1, and constraining the relative swinging motion to the other direction (B). In particular, there is a non-contact free holding means provided holding the surface 7 of the floating wedge member 6 and the gear means 4 in a non-contacted free state on the occasion of the swinging motion to one direction A.