Adjustable Chair Armrest Structure Without Locking Mechanisms
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Adjustable armrests often lack stability, requiring locking mechanisms that are cumbersome to use and prevent easy adjustment, and fail to maintain position when leaned upon.
Innovation Solution
An armrest design featuring a resilient device with a leaf spring and adjustable pins that allow for lateral, rotational, and longitudinal movement without a locking mechanism, ensuring stability and ease of adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a locking mechanism is used to stabilize the armrest position, then the armrest stability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to requiring forceful actuation to unlock
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the locking mechanism entirely from the armrest system. Instead of using a locking device that requires forceful actuation, the armrest relies on friction between the armrest member and support member, combined with a resilient body, to maintain position stability without any locking components.
Solution Approach 2:
The armrest system uses self-adjusting friction and resilient deformation to maintain position. The friction between surfaces and the resilient body's deformation automatically provide stabilization without requiring external locking mechanisms or user intervention to engage/disengage locks.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a locking mechanism is used to prevent armrest movement, then the armrest stability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the locking mechanism completely, removing all associated complexity. The armrest system achieves stability through simpler means: friction between the armrest member and support member, and the resilient body's deformation characteristics, without any locking devices, buttons, or levers.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses passive friction and resilient properties to maintain position stability. These inherent material properties automatically provide the stabilization function without requiring complex mechanical locking systems, reducing overall device complexity.
3Ease of operation
If the armrest is designed to be freely movable for easy adjustment, then the ease of operation is improved, but the armrest stability deteriorates when leaned upon
Solution Approach 1:
The armrest uses self-adjusting friction between the armrest member and support member to maintain position. This friction automatically provides stabilization when force is applied (such as when a user leans on the armrest) without requiring active locking mechanisms, while still allowing easy movement when friction is overcome.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes the resilient body's deformation characteristics to modulate friction forces. When the armrest is moved, the resilient body deforms and changes friction parameters, allowing easy adjustment during movement while maintaining stability when positioned.
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 armrests maintain stability when leaned upon while allowing for easy adjustment, eliminating the need for locking devices and enhancing user convenience.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient device positioned between the armrest member and the first plate or the first plate and the armrest cover
Data Source
AI summary
An armrest apparatus and chair including one or more armrest apparatuses are disclosed. Each armrest apparatus includes an armrest member attached to at least one chair component. The armrest member has a first aperture and a second aperture. A first plate is positioned above the armrest member. The first plate has a longitudinal slot that is transverse to the first and second apertures. An armrest cover is attached to the first plate. A resilient device is positioned between the first plate and the armrest cover or between the first plate and the armrest member. The resilient device has a first hole sized and configured to receive the first member and a second hole sized and configured to receive the second member. A first member extends through the first aperture, first hole and the longitudinal slot and a second member extends through the second aperture, second hole and the longitudinal slot.