Ergonomic Chair Armrest Linkage for Vertical and Lateral Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for ergonomic chair armrests that can be adjustable in both vertical and horizontal planes to accommodate various users and provide optimal ergonomics, as existing armrests often lack the flexibility to achieve the most beneficial position for different users.
Innovation Solution
The ergonomic chair armrest features a parallel linkage mechanism with ratcheted bars and a link locking mechanism, allowing for adjustable height and lateral movement, facilitated by a tension wire and actuation button, and an arm pad assembly with sliding links and a lock mechanism for customizable positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If armrests are made stationary and affixed to the chair, then the structure is simple and stable, but the adaptability to different users is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The armrest is designed with dynamic adjustment capabilities, allowing it to change position in vertical and horizontal planes. The parallel linkage mechanism with ratcheted bars enables the armrest to be repositioned to accommodate different users, transforming a static structure into a dynamic one that adapts to various ergonomic needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The armrest structure is divided into multiple independent components including parallel linkage bars, ratcheted locking mechanisms, and adjustable segments. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for specific functions while maintaining overall adaptability, resolving the contradiction between complexity and versatility.
2Ease of operation
If armrests are made adjustable in vertical and horizontal planes, then the ergonomics are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The armrest incorporates self-locking ratcheted mechanisms that automatically maintain the adjusted position without requiring additional locking actions. The parallel linkage system self-adjusts to maintain parallelism during movement, reducing the need for complex control mechanisms while preserving ergonomic adjustability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary components such as the parallel linkage bars and ratcheted locking mechanisms that mediate between the user's adjustment input and the final armrest position. These intermediaries simplify the adjustment process by providing mechanical advantage and automatic position maintenance.
3Manufacturing precision
If a parallel linkage mechanism with ratcheted bars is used for adjustment, then the positioning precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the positioning function into a separate ratcheted locking mechanism that operates independently from the parallel linkage structure. This separation allows the linkage mechanism to focus on providing smooth adjustment movement while the ratcheted mechanism provides precise positioning and locking, reducing overall system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides a chair armrest that is variably adjustable to allow a user to assume an ergonomically preferred sitting position. The ergonomic chair armrest comprises, either separately or together, an arm support assembly capable of adjustment to various positions through a vertical plane and an arm pad assembly capable of adjustment to various positions through a horizontal plane. The invention further provides an ergonomic chair having an armrest that is adjustable in both a vertical plane and a horizontal plane.