Pivot structure for pivoting seat
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pivoting seat systems are complex, difficult to install and maintain, prone to misalignment, and lack robustness and automatic biasing mechanisms for transitioning between seating and upright positions.
Innovation Solution
A seat assembly with support arms and pivoting assemblies featuring cam components that rotate around a pivot axis, limited by end-of-course surfaces, and link arms, allowing for easy installation, maintenance, and robust operation between seating and upright positions, with damping blocks for smooth movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If existing pivoting systems are used, then the seat can pivot between positions, but the system becomes complex and difficult to install and maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The pivoting system is divided into modular components: a support arm assembly with enclosure, a separate pivoting assembly with cam component and link arm, and end-of-course surfaces. This segmentation allows independent manufacturing, easier installation, and simplified maintenance of individual components rather than handling a complex integrated system.
Solution Approach 2:
The pivoting assembly components are nested within the support arm enclosure during operation, with the cam component and link arm contained within the enclosure boundaries. This nesting provides a compact structure that reduces spatial complexity while maintaining ease of access for installation and maintenance.
2Reliability
If existing pivoting systems are used, then the seat can pivot, but the systems are prone to misalignment and lack robustness
Solution Approach 1:
The cam component is pre-configured with specific geometric features (cam surface, abutting surfaces) that automatically guide proper alignment during installation. The end-of-course surfaces are pre-positioned to define the exact pivot limits, eliminating alignment issues before the system begins operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam mechanism automatically maintains proper alignment through its geometric constraints as the seat pivots. The cam surface and abutting surfaces work together to self-correct minor misalignments and maintain consistent positioning without requiring external adjustment mechanisms.
3Extent of automation
If existing pivoting systems are used, then the seat can pivot between positions, but the systems lack automatic biasing mechanisms for transitioning between positions
Solution Approach 1:
The cam component's geometric profile is designed to automatically bias the seat toward the upright position through its inherent shape. As the link arm moves, the cam surface geometry creates a mechanical advantage that naturally guides the seat into the upright position without requiring external actuators or complex control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam component features curved surfaces that provide automatic biasing through geometric design. The cam surface profile creates a mechanical guidance system that naturally transitions the seat between positions, with the curvature providing the automatic biasing force toward the upright position.
4Ease of operation
If existing pivoting systems are used, then the seat can pivot, but the systems have rough ends of courses
Solution Approach 1:
End-of-course surfaces are provided that act as cushioning elements to smoothly terminate the pivoting motion at the limits of travel. These surfaces are positioned beforehand to prevent abrupt stops and provide a gentle deceleration as the seat reaches the upright or seated position, eliminating rough ends of courses.
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 simplifies installation and maintenance, enhances robustness, and automatically biases the seat into the upright position, addressing the complexities and drawbacks of existing systems.
Implementation Method 1
the cam component having its rotation being limited in both directions by abutting against at least one end-of-course surface
Implementation Method 2
a cap movable between an opened position and a closing position for selectively closing the support arm into an enclosure
Data Source
AI summary
A chair includes a support structure mounted to the side chair structure, the support structure comprising a side wall having an upward facing opening and a bottom edge, an abutting components up front and rear to the opening, and a pivoting assembly mounted to the seat. The pivoting assembly comprises a link arm extending away from the seat and a cam component mounted to the link arm distant to the seat. When the seat is mounted to the support structure, the arm link sits on the bottom edge of the opening. The cam component is free to travel between a) a first position in which the cam component butts up against the first abutting component and the seat is in a seating position and b) a second position wherein the cam component butts up against the second abutting component and the seat is in an upright position.