Backrest device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing backrest height-adjustment mechanisms in seating furniture, such as office chairs, are complex, costly, difficult to maintain, and bulky due to numerous components, making them inefficient and aesthetically undesirable.
Innovation Solution
A simplified backrest device with a one-piece elastic actuator that can be manually adjusted between blocking and moving positions, using a row of notches and an engaging piece to allow vertical movement of the backrest, reducing the number of components and space required.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional multi-component height adjustment mechanisms are used, then reliable height adjustment is achieved, but device complexity and production cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple traditional components (locking lever, spring-loaded button, cover, locking structures) into a single integrated actuator component. This actuator combines the locking, releasing, and positioning functions that previously required separate parts, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining height adjustment reliability through its unified design
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional height adjustment mechanisms with multiple components are used, then height adjustment function is achieved, but ease of maintenance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating all height adjustment functions into a single actuator component, the patent simplifies maintenance operations. When the actuator wears or malfunctions, the entire assembly can be replaced as one unit rather than disassembling and replacing multiple individual components, significantly improving ease of repair while preserving full height adjustment functionality
3Reliability
If traditional bulky adjustment mechanisms are used, then robust height adjustment is achieved, but aesthetic appearance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent consolidates bulky adjustment mechanisms into a compact single-component actuator, reducing the spatial footprint and visual bulk of the height adjustment system. This integrated design maintains robust adjustment functionality while presenting a cleaner, more streamlined appearance that improves aesthetic appearance in the seating furniture
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
Enables efficient height adjustment with fewer components, easy maintenance, and a compact design, while ensuring stable and comfortable operation of the backrest.
Implementation Method 1
The actuator is in particular made in one piece from an elastic material, being elastically deformed in the movement position by a force typically applied manually
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a backrest device (1) comprising a backrest carrier (3) having a support arm (31), a backrest (2) mounted on the support arm (31), and an actuator (4) which is adjustable between a blocking position and a movement position. The support arm (31) of the backrest carrier (3) has a latching row (311). The backrest (2) is movable along the support arm (31). The actuator (4) is connected to the backrest (2) and has an engaging piece (413). In the blocking position, the engaging piece (413) of the actuator (4) engages into the latching row (311) of the support arm (31) of the backrest carrier (3) such that a movement of the backrest (2) along the support arm (31) of the backrest carrier (3) is blocked. In the movement position, the engaging piece (413) of the actuator (4) is out of engagement with the latching row (311) of the support arm (31) of the backrest carrier (3) and therefore the backrest (2) is movable along the support arm (31) of the backrest carrier (3). The actuator is integrally produced from an elastic material, wherein the actuator is elastically deformed in the movement position by a manually applied force, and therefore the engaging piece (413) of the actuator (4) is moved out of the latching row (311) of the support arm (31) of the backrest carrier (3).