Chair assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing chair assemblies lack efficient mechanisms for user-controlled adjustment of seat and backrest positions, particularly in terms of movement between upright and reclined positions, and the ability to adjust tensioning forces, which limits user comfort and customization.
Innovation Solution
A chair assembly with a control input assembly and a control link assembly that allows users to move a second chair structure between positions and adjust back tensioning forces through a system of universal joints and actuators, enabling user-controlled movement and tension adjustment, and incorporating a damper structure to manage relative movements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a control link assembly with universal joints is used to enable user-controlled adjustment, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control link assembly is divided into multiple independent components including a first control link, a second control link, a third control link, and a fourth control link, each connected through universal joints. This segmentation allows each component to move independently while maintaining overall control functionality, enabling user-adjustable tension without requiring a monolithic complex mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The control links are designed to be movable rather than fixed, with universal joints allowing rotational movement between links. This dynamic configuration enables the assembly to adapt to different tension requirements and chair positions while maintaining ease of operation through simple user input on the control element.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple control links and universal joints are implemented, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The universal joints used in the control link assembly serve multiple functions: they accommodate angular misalignments between links, allow rotational movement for position adjustment, and maintain force transmission efficiency. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate mechanisms for each adjustment requirement, improving adaptability without proportionally increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The control links are designed with movable connections that adapt to different chair positions and tension requirements. The universal joints enable the assembly to dynamically adjust its configuration based on the relative positions of the seat assembly and backrest, providing versatility across multiple operating conditions.
3Reliability
If a damper structure is added to manage relative movements, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The damper structure acts as an intermediary element between the control link assembly and the chair structures it connects. It mediates the relative movements by providing controlled damping forces that prevent excessive or unwanted motion while allowing necessary adjustments, thereby improving reliability without requiring complex active control systems.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5A
AI summary
A chair assembly including a first chair structure, a second chair structure, an actuator assembly coupled to the second chair structure to move the second chair structure between the first and second positions, a control input assembly coupled to the first chair structure, and a control link assembly coupling the control input assembly with the actuator assembly to move the second chair structure between first and second positions, and including a first shaft operably coupled to the control link, and rotatable about a second axis that is substantially orthogonal to the first axis and to the first direction, and first and second universal joint assemblies coupling the first shaft member to the second shaft, wherein actuation of the control input moves the second chair structure between the first and second positions.