Chair Back Adjustment Assembly With Motor-Manual Coupling
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing furniture adjustment mechanisms, such as those in office chairs and tables, often require users to exert significant force or rise from their seat to make fine adjustments, and lack intuitive and precise control over height and tilt, especially when transitioning between electric motor-driven and manual adjustment modes.
Innovation Solution
A furniture system incorporating an electric motor-driven adjustment device with a coupling mechanism that allows for precise height or tilt adjustments when closed, and manual override when open, featuring a self-locking mechanism to maintain set positions and conserve energy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If an electric motor-driven adjustment device is used, then adjustment precision is improved, but adjustment speed and user freedom are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling mechanism dynamically switches between connected and disconnected states. When connected, the electric motor provides precise adjustment. When disconnected, manual adjustment enables rapid repositioning. This dynamic transition resolves the contradiction by allowing the system to operate in different modes depending on the adjustment needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameter from motor-driven to manual-driven by altering the coupling state. This parameter change allows the same adjustment device to achieve both high precision (when motor is engaged) and high speed (when manually overridden), resolving the speed-precision trade-off.
2Speed
If a mechanical adjustment mechanism is used, then adjustment speed is improved, but adjustment precision and user comfort are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling acts as an intermediary between the manual adjustment mechanism and the final adjustment component. It transmits manual force for rapid repositioning but can be disengaged to allow even faster manual override, while the electric motor provides precise adjustment when needed. This intermediary resolves the contradiction by mediating between speed and precision requirements.
3Measurement precision
If the coupling is always closed to maintain precision, then adjustment precision is improved, but operational freedom and rapid adjustment are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling's state is dynamically changed from always closed to selectively open/closed based on operational needs. This dynamic adaptability allows the system to switch between precision mode (closed) and rapid adjustment mode (open), resolving the contradiction between precision and operational freedom.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the coupling is always open to allow manual adjustment, then operational freedom is improved, but adjustment precision and stability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the coupling parameter from always open to selectively controlled. This allows the operator to engage the motor for precise adjustment when needed and disengage for rapid manual repositioning, resolving the contradiction between operational freedom and adjustment precision.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a piece of furniture comprising at least one adjustable use portion, in particular an office chair having an adjustable seat and/or an adjustable backrest. The present invention further relates to an adjusting assembly that can be used, for example, for a piece of furniture of said type.