Backrest Support Frame for Slim Reclining Chairs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Integrating reclining capability into Eames-style chairs with thin profiles poses design challenges due to their slim seat and backrest profiles and styling gaps, which existing recliner mechanisms cannot effectively address without compromising the chair's sleek appearance.
Innovation Solution
A reclining mechanism comprising pivotally interconnected links that move the seat and backrest between upright and reclined positions, with a backrest support link that maintains a styling gap and folds into a compact volume, allowing the chair to maintain its slim profile while providing three-way reclining functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional reclining mechanism is integrated into Eames-style chairs with thin profiles, then reclining functionality is achieved, but the chair's slim profile and sleek appearance are compromised due to the bulk of the mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The reclining mechanism is nested within the existing chair structure, with links and components arranged to fit within the thin profile of the Eames-style chair. The mechanism components are positioned to be concealed behind the seat and backrest panels, allowing the chair to maintain its sleek appearance while providing full reclining functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The reclining mechanism utilizes the depth dimension of the chair by positioning components in the rearward direction behind the seat and backrest. This allows the mechanism to operate in three-dimensional space without increasing the chair's front-to-back visual profile, maintaining the slim aesthetic while enabling mechanical movement.
2Shape
If a reclining mechanism is added to maintain a styling gap between seat and backrest, then the contemporary look is preserved, but the mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The reclining mechanism is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it provides the reclining motion, maintains the styling gap between seat and backrest, and conceals all mechanism components within the chair's existing structure. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby managing complexity while achieving multiple design goals.
Solution Approach 2:
The reclining mechanism components are merged with the existing chair structure, where links and supports are integrated into the seat and backrest assemblies. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate visible mechanism housings, maintaining the styling gap while managing complexity through integrated design.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the backrest pivots relative to the seat during reclining, then three-way reclining capability is achieved, but the structural complexity of the connection increases
Solution Approach 1:
The backrest connection structure is segmented into multiple independent links and pivot points, allowing the backrest to pivot relative to the seat while each segment handles a specific portion of the motion. This segmentation enables three-way reclining capability by distributing the mechanical complexity across multiple simple, manageable components rather than requiring a single complex connection.
Data Source
AI summary
A reclining chair includes: a base; a seat; a backrest; and a reclining mechanism attached to the base, seat and backrest. The reclining mechanism comprises a plurality of pivotally interconnected links and is configured to move the seat and backrest relative to the base between a fully upright position, in which the seat is generally horizontally disposed above the base and the backrest is generally vertically disposed at a first angle to an underlying surface above a rear portion of the backrest, and one or more reclined positions, in which the backrest is disposed at a second angle to the underlying surface, the second angle being less than the first angle. One of the links of the reclining mechanism is a backrest support link that moves in concert with the backrest between the upright and reclined positions. The backrest support link includes a first longitudinally disposed panel pivotally interconnected with at least one other link of the reclining mechanism, and further includes a second transversely disposed panel to which the backrest attaches.